Calls for tougher arms controls

Thursday, 9 October 2003 12:00 AM

Three major campaign groups have announced that they are joining forces to campaign for better regulation of the arms trade. Amnesty International, Oxfam and the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) released a report today claiming that current legislation allow weapons to fall into the hands of repressive regimes and criminals.

The three international organisations have launched a global campaign in over 50 countries that aims to reduce arms proliferation and misuse and to convince governments to introduce a binding arms trade treaty.

They claim that loopholes in current export controls lead to the easy availability of arms, increased gun use, and prolonged conflicts. The proliferation of weapons in developing countries is thought to hamper aid work.

The report has also criticised the knock-on effects of the US-led war on terror, which it claims has led to an increase in arms exports from Britain and America to 'new-found allies' such as Pakistan and Indonesia - regardless of their human rights records.

'Each year hundreds of thousands of people are unlawfully killed, tortured, raped and displaced through the misuse of arms,' commented AI's secretary general Irene Khan. 'With the 'war on terror' dominating the international agenda, there should be renewed interest in arms control. Yet the reverse has occurred. The vicious circle of arms transfers, conflict and abuse can and must be stopped.'

IANSA has also suggested that rather than concentrating on terrorism the international community should focus on guns and small arms which the organisation described as the 'real weapons of mass destruction'.

Britain's largest defence manufacturer, BAE Systems, responded to the campaign today by stressing the economic importance of the arms trade. Companies have also noted that technological advances in military aircraft and other components are key drivers for civilian manufacturing.

The UK defence industry is reported to generate £17bn in annual sales, although this figure has been disputed by anti-arms campaigners.

Tags: