August 30, 2007...5:01 pm
Arms transfers must be based on International law
By Sauro Scarpelli, Amnesty International
One of the things that I’m finding very interesting during the international meeting on transfer controls for small arms that is taking place this week in Geneva, is the openness of the discussion. Because of the informal nature of this meeting, I think states’ representatives feel more free to make their interventions - this is a very positive way of engaging and sharing information between states and also international organizations.
This morning, Camilla Waszink from the ICRC presented a very interesting and useful document on how to apply international humanitarian law (IHL) criteria for the authorizing of arms transfers. The document also contributes to our argument that an Arms Trade Treaty must be based on the respect of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights law.
The ICRC document also gives specific indicators to be considered when assessing if an arms transfer should happen or not. Some of these indicators are: recipient state record of respect for IHL and the state’s capacity to ensure that the arms transferred are used in a manner consistent with international humanitarian law.
The reaction of states delegates to ICRC presentation was interesting. Portugal, reminded participants that the EU Code of Conduct on arms transfers ask governments to share information of denials of transfers and for information sharing between EU states. In 2005 there were 108 cases of consultation between states.
Amnesty International is planning to produce a similar document looking at the application of human rights criteria on arms transfer decisions. Adding to the work Control Arms did two years ago on how incorporate sustainable development into these decisions - I think together these three instruments will be very powerful tools in our lobbying activities when the Group of Government Experts that will work on the Arms Trade Treaty will start working.
For more information on the Control Arms Campaign please visit: http://www.controlarms.com
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