Major arms exporting governments are breaking their promises on arms sales by failing to assess the impact such exports are having on poverty, according to new research published today. As a result, arms sales are being authorised which are diverting much needed resources away from areas such as health and education, as well as undermining the security and human rights of the population. The report shows how governments can assess the impact of arms sales on poverty. It argues that ultimately governments must agree to an international Arms Trade Treaty to control the arms trade and safeguard sustainable development and human rights.

The Guns or Growth? report is one of a series produced by Amnesty International, IANSA and Oxfam during the Control Arms campaign. IANSA members Project Ploughshares and Saferworld provided additional research.

Download the report here (PDF)