IANSA Update 19 September 2008

Report of the GGE report on Arms Trade Treaty
ATT Week of Action in 72 countries
Iraq flooded with guns, says Amnesty International
Bolivia: Violence leaves 30 dead, calls for disarmament
Uruguay promises a new gun law
21 September: International Peace Day
Other news: Girls education in Pakistan, NATO seminar, job at CAAT

Report of the GGE report on Arms Trade Treaty
The Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) has released its report, but it contains no conclusions on the feasibility, scope or parameters of an ATT. Instead, the unanimous report recommends that the UN hold 'further consideration of efforts to address the international trade' in conventional weapons. The 28-member GGE, which included the major arms exporting nations, deliberated during the first 8 months of 2008. Next month the First Committee of the UN General Assembly will discuss the report and next steps toward an ATT. The GGE report is on the IANSA website here.

ATT Week of Action in 72 countries
Meanwhile, campaigners in 72 countries organised events for the Week of Action for an ATT, 13-19 September. This is a huge achievement, and we congratulate everyone who helped to raise the profile of the ATT at this critical moment. If you participated in a Week of Action event, please send reports and photos to Bruce Millar for posting online. Read more here.

Iraq flooded with guns, says Amnesty International
Iraq is being flooded with weapons despite human rights violations by all parties in the conflict, and without adequate end-user monitoring by suppliers, according to a new report by Amnesty International (AI). The report, titled 'Blood at the Crossroads', was published for the Control Arms Global Week of Action on the ATT. Examples show how the lack of global controls on small arms has facilitated gross violations of human rights in key conflict zones, including Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Guatemala, Guinea, Iraq, Myanmar, Somalia and Sudan. AI and IANSA hope the case studies will help diplomats at the First Committee understand why a Treaty is urgently needed. Read more here.

Bolivia: Violence leaves 30 dead, calls for disarmament
At least 30 people have been killed in recent political violence in Bolivia, and as many as 1000 people are missing. CLAVE, the regional NGO coalition to curb gun violence in Latin America, called for immediate assistance for survivors and their families and communities, an investigation into the legal status of the arms used in the conflict and an urgent review of gun possession and use by civilians and the state. CLAVE said limiting the circulation, distribution and access to arms is essential to preventing future violence. Read more here.

Uruguay promises a new gun law
Uruguay's four main political parties have committed themselves to create a comprehensive national firearms law based on international standards and best practices. A multidisciplinary taskforce on the topic will also be set up. The commitments were made at a forum for policymakers, journalists and officials organised by IANSA member Aludec on 18-19 September. The report 'Blood at the Crossroads' was launched at the event. Read more here.

21 September: International Peace Day
International Day of Peace (21 September) is being celebrated by many members of the IANSA Women's Network. At the Suva Peace Park (Fiji) on 19 September, 53 women held a silent rally for peace and in support of an ATT. On 20 September, members of the Philippines Action Network on Small Arms will participate in the Light a Ceasefire campaign for Mindanao. Torches will be lit in Quezon City in memory of several young women who have been shot dead, including Miriam College student Mary Grace Mojica who, along with 3 relatives, was murdered in her home on 12 September. In Costa Rica, the Centro de Amigos para la Paz organised a concert in San José. If you are taking part in an IDP event, please notify Bruce Millar.

Other news

• Women's Network member Blue Veins, in the North Western Frontier Province of Pakistan, participated in a joint consultation on the effect of armed violence and conflict on girls' education. The consultation was held at the Press Club of Peshawar despite opposition from government officials and religious leaders. So far this year, 160 girls' schools have been destroyed in the Province.
• On 19 September IANSA Communications Officer Louise Rimmer gave a presentation on the Biennial Meeting of States to NATO's ad hoc working group on small arms and light weapons.
• The UK-based Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT) is recruiting a Media Coordinator. More details on our Job Board.

If you would like to contribute to the IANSA Update, please send your news to louise.rimmer@iansa.org

Join the IANSA Women's Network: email women@iansa.org

Join the Million Faces petition in support of a global Arms Trade Treaty