Pope Francis delivered a powerful address to the US Congress this week where he denounced those responsible for the irresponsible arms trade:
“Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society? Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood. In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade.”
These strong words were significant in being delivered at the US Congress, since while the US is a high profile signatory of the ATT, it has yet to ratify. Control Arms calls on the US government to heed the Pope’s words and to ratify the ATT as one important step to reducing the misery caused by the poorly regulated arms trade.
The opening week of the UNGA is also an opportunity for governments to ratify or accede to the ATT, and Control Arms encourages all governments that have yet to do so to join the ATT as soon as possible.
