Ross
ROBERTSON
MP for Manukau East
President of Parliamentarians for Global Action
Associate Disarmament Spokesperson

27 April 2012 MEDIA STATEMENT
1,000 legislators sign up to Parliamentary Declaration on Arms Trade Treaty

The Control Arms Global Parliamentary Declaration on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) has now been signed by over 1,000 legislators, including 80 from New Zealand, says Labour MP Ross Robertson.

The Arms Trade Treaty seeks to ensure the responsible control, trade and export of conventional weapons.

Mr Robertson, the President of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) and Labour’s Associate Spokesperson for Disarmament, said that PGA has played a leading role in raising awareness of, and support for the ATT.

“In particular, the PGA has encouraged legislators across 47 countries to sign the Control Arms Global Parliamentary Declaration on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).

“I welcome this important landmark,” Ross Robertson said. “Parliamentarians are fundamental stakeholders advocating for the Treaty itself, and calling for its ratification when it is in place.

“This also extends to drafting and introducing legislation to give effect to the ATT in all of our respective countries, when the ATT text is agreed upon.

“It is my hope that many more of my fellow legislators around the world will follow the excellent example set by over 1,000 of their colleagues in 47 countries and also sign this Declaration,” said Ross Robertson.

“The Control Arms Global Parliamentary Declaration on the ATT will be presented at the United Nations in early July 2012 to coincide with the beginning of the UN ATT Diplomatic Conference,” Ross Robertson said.

ENDS

The Control Arms Global Parliamentary Declaration on the Arms Trade Treaty may be viewed at:
http://controlarms.org/parliamentarian-declaration

More information on PGA may be found at: www.pgaction.org

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