The November 2011 edition of AEFJN's Forum for Action is now online. It contains articles on the ethical responsibility of the Church on the climate issue, on the clean up of the Ogoniland oil spills, which will take decades, on the spread of Libyan arms in the Sahel, on the production of medicines in Africa and on the EU's attempt to force African countries to sign EPAs.
The national election campaign officially started the 28th October in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exactly one month ahead of historic presidential and legislative elections, scheduled for November 28 2011. 41 humanitarian and human rights organizations, among them AEFJN, have expressed concern about the high political tension and deteriorating security situation. They have called upon all Congolese and international actors involved to take urgent measures to prevent electoral violence, better protect civilians and ensure credible, free and fair elections.THE CONTROL OF THE TRADE IN ARMS
The illegal trade in small arms (armaments that can be carried) that originate in Europe and Asia is swamping African countries, facilitating civil wars there and undermining peace, security and sustainable development. It is also causing the deployment of child soldiers.
THE UN ARMS TRADE TREATY
On 30th October 2009, after years of discussions and debates in all the countries of the world, the United Nations agreed a timetable to establish a ‘strong and robust’ Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) with ‘the highest common standards’ to control international transfer of conventional arms. In a vote, all countries agreed, except China and Russia abstained and Zimbabwe voted against it.
The conference to finalise the treaty is now scheduled for July 2012.
Without such a treaty, there is little or no government supervision of the trade in small arms between countries thus undermining peace, security and sustainable development. Arms dealers can sell weapons to one country which then passes them on to another engaged in a civil war.
LAND MINES
Land mines are designed to maim or kill. They cost $3-10 to produce but $200-300 to destroy. They are a great danger to children who may find them while playing.
Every 22 minutes someone steps on a mine. They are either killed or maimed.
There are 70 casualties a day, 500 a week.
60-85 million landmines in 60 countries are still unexploded.
Scatter bombs explode in the air, sending small pieces of shrapnel to the ground causing death and damage to people and the surrounding area.
For further information “Arms Management in Africa” www.armsnetafrica.org .
AMONG THE CAMPAIGNERS WE SUPPORT:
Child soldiers www.child-soldiers.org
Amnesty International www.amnesty.org.uk
International Action Network on Small Arms www.iansa.org
Control Arms www.controlarms.org
Oxfam www.oxfam.org.uk
Pax Christi. www.paxchristi.org.uk
Landmines. www.landmineaction.org
CALL TO ACTION
Write to your MP (House of Commons, London. SW1A 0AA) asking her/him to ensure that the government gives full support to the UN Arms Trade Treaty and ratifies it for the UK.
Go to the websites of small arms campaigners to see what current action they suggest.
- Some of these campaigners have DVDs that you could show.
- Ask the AEFJN office to send you leaflets to distribute in your parish.
WANTED: A STRONG ARMS TRADE TREATY
WE SENT THE LETTER BELOW TO DAVID CAMERON IN READINESS FOR THE
Deliberations of the 4th Preparatory Committee for the Arms Trade Treaty, meeting at the United Nations, 13-17 February 2012.
YOU MAY FIND THE INFORMATION USEFUL FOR YOUR OWN CAMPAIGNING.
Dear Mr Cameron,
We are writing to you concerning the process leading up to an Arms Trade Treaty this year at the United Nations. This letter is a sign of our strong support for a treaty that sets high and binding standards to regulate the international arms trade, and for our country’s contribution to that goal.
We write as citizens and also as part of an international initiative by churches and related organizations, the Ecumenical Campaign for a strong and effective Arms Trade Treaty, convened by the World Council of Churches. Some 60 churches and organizations in 31 countries are involved.
This letter is in reference to the deliberations of the 4th Preparatory Committee for the Arms Trade Treaty, meeting at the United Nations, 13-17 February 2012.
The lack of binding regulation of the international arms trade raises deep concerns for us, as it does for many others. The concerns of churches, their members and related groups are humanitarian in nature and are directed to communities which are at risk. We are guided by a belief that all world religions share, namely, that life is sacred and must be protected.
We know that the consequences of the illicit trade in lethal weapons are acutely felt in many parts of the world. We expect the Arms Trade Treaty to play an important role in reducing the supply of arms that are used in such violence.
We connect our concern for those who suffer to the negotiation of an Arms Trade Treaty that is strong and effective. Our first focus is the ‘human’ scope of the treaty. A strong ATT will require a broad human scope. It is our conviction the treaty shall include the following provisions:
- Criteria of international human rights law and international humanitarian law,
- Coverage of all types of weapons including small arms and light weapons, ammunition and parts
- Denial of arms transfers that put sustainable development at risk,
- Denial of arms transfers that may perpetuate gender-based violence
- Addresses the need for assistance to survivors.
An effective ATT will require a robust operational section. It will require solid provisions for reporting, accountability and international assistance.
Our goal is an ATT with both strong criteria and effective implementation provisions that assist in protecting communities and saving lives. We commend this goal to you as our government and as a member of the United Nations.
Much progress has been made on the ATT since the UN process began in 2006. We have pointed out some of the key achievements for churches, above.
To preserve the good work to-date, we believe there are four procedural areas where specific actions are necessary at the Preparatory Committee. The ecumenical campaign stands with other civil society groups in the Control Arms Coalition—and with many governments—on the points that follow.
In order for negotiations later this year to achieve a strong and effective Arms Trade Treaty, we request that our country’s delegation actively support these positions:
1) Preserve the Chair’s Draft Paper of 14 July 2011 as the basis for negotiation in July 2012.
The existing text can serve as the basis for a strong ATT. We have noted five important areas (A-E, above). Among the improvements that are still needed are:
a) strengthening transparency, record-keeping and international assistance provisions
b) adding police and security equipment to the scope of weapons and parts covered.
2) Support the current Chair, Ambassador Moritan, to become the Chair of the ATT Negotiating Conference in July 2012.
3) Establish that important decisions of the Negotiating Conference will be made using UN procedure in which consensus can be achieved by a large majority after comprehensive deliberations.
Important decisions to take with such procedure include:
a) removing content from the Chair’s Draft, or from texts based on that draft,
b) adoption of the final text of the treaty.
4) Continue the participation of representatives of civil society organizations as observers in the ATT process including during the Negotiating Conference.
Civil society organizations work in communities that suffer the armed violence that is fuelled by irresponsible arms trading. Civil society, including churches, is a voice for those affected communities. Civil society provides a link between governments making the ATT and citizens whose lives will be most affected by the treaty. A transparent and accountable negotiating process requires civil society’s continued presence.
We will be following the outcomes of the 4th Preparatory Committee and preparations for the ATT Negotiating Conference. As part of our campaign there will be an ecumenical delegation at both conferences. The delegation at the PrepCom will be working to advance the goals we have outlined here and to support this letter by taking up contact with the UNITED KINGDOM’S delegation. We also look forward to further contact after the PrepCom and in the lead-up to the July conference.
The urgent need for responsible regulation of all arms transfers is a matter of inter-governmental accountability. The resulting success in ending irresponsible commerce in deadly weapons will be an affirmation of the value of human lives.
Africa-Europe Faith & Justice Network (AEFJN) is formed by 50 congregations and 80,000 people throughout Africa and Europe involved in African development. AEFJN strives to promote equity and economic justice in the relationships between Europe and Africa.
Thank you for your attention to our requests regarding the Arms Trade Treaty. We would very much welcome your response to these concerns.