The UN process on Small Arms and Light Weapons – a key opportunity
In 2001, the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects agreed a Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UN PoA on SALW).
Following Biennial Meetings of States in 2003 and 2005, a Review Conference (RevCon) has been convened for June-July 2006 with the aim of reviewing the PoA. A Preparatory Committee meeting to discuss the agenda of the Review Conference will take place in January 2006.
These are key events for the promotion of the Global Principles for Arms Transfers and to get the principles incorporated into the revised UN Programme of Action. It is an excellent opportunity to get the key principles accepted and included.
So far, about 50 governments have expressed support for such principles or for minimum standards regulating arms transfers and the upcoming UN meetings are great opportunities to increase the number of supporters. The support of MPs around the world will increase the possibility of getting these principles included in the revised PoA and of getting negotiations for a full ATT started soon afterwards.
The key role of Parliamentarians (MPs)
National and regional parliaments have a crucial role in the promotion and implementation of the Global Principles for Arms Transfers. Parliaments are the only bodies with authority to create and reform legislation and support and approve ratification of international agreements. As democratically elected representatives, Parliamentarians are opinion formers and have access to the media and opportunities to create debate and stimulate public opinion.
In the past months, a number of MPs have expressed support for the principles of an ATT and have approached Control Arms to work with the campaign – for example, in May 2005 the European Parliament approved a resolution on small arms and light weapons recommending that “… negotiations on an Arms Trade Treaty start directly after the 2006 UN Review Conference on the Programme of Action”. Following pressure from other Parliaments, such as the Spanish, on 3 October 2005, the General Affairs Council of the European Union adopted language supporting an ATT. Click here to read the statement.
The Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons
The Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons was established in 1999 as a platform for parliamentary action on the proliferation of small arms. The Forum is a focal point for parliamentarians concerned about the specific issues of armed violence and small arms. Its mission is to give support to parliamentarians working on small arms; act as a platform for the advancement of the small arms agenda; and to provide a meeting and discussion space for parliamentarians and representatives of civil society. For more information on the Parliamentary Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons visit this web site.
The Model Parliamentary Resolution on SALW
The Parliamentary Forum adopted its Model Resolution after consulting with the Control Arms delegation at the Biennial Meeting of States in July. MPs may also want to raise other arms-related issues which they consider relevant to their constituencies. To complement the resolution, we are including IANSA’s position papers on Supply, Demands, Existing Stock, Misuse and Private Ownership that can be used as added resources to involve the parliamentarians in supporting the principles of an ATT.
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