Oxfam America took urgent action on Friday through an online petition targeting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The action came in advance of a panel discussion taking place today (16 April) in Washington, D.C. in which key stakeholders, from the government, the global defense industry, and civil society will highlight their views and key issues for the upcoming negotiations. Thomas Countryman, the Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Non-proliferation will provide a keynote speech, making this event a major moment for the articulation of American policy toward the Treaty.
As such, the action urges Secretary Clinton “to ensure that the US position put forth in this speech has a strong human rights and humanitarian core so that the treaty prevents arms from being used for atrocities.” It draws links to a recent surge in violence in Sudan and South Sudan.
The event takes place at 10am EDT and can be viewed online by clicking here.
