NZ joins Week of Action Against Gun Violence

NZ joins Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence, 15-21 June 2009

An effective ATT: The world can’t wait

Gun violence kills more than 350,000 people a year, and severely injures more than a million. Yet the global trade that fuels the epidemic of armed violence is not subject to international regulation.

This week New Zealand joins more than 80 countries around the world to mark the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence, under the Control Arms Campaign, organised by the International Action Network on Small Arms. Amnesty International and Oxfam New Zealand are calling on our national leaders to push for a strong and effective Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) through the United Nations.

153 countries voted in favour of negotiating an ATT at the UN in 2008, and discussions on the proposed treaty continue in July. The focus this year is on making sure that all governments contribute to the discussions, and demand a strong and effective treaty.

Patrick Holmes, CEO of Amnesty International Aotearoa NZ says: "The gun violence epidemic cannot be treated by any one country acting alone: a global preventative measure is needed. New Zealand has a real opportunity to influence global human security and reduce the suffering around the world."

"We are proud that New Zealand supported the resolution at the UN last December, but this will be rendered meaningless unless it is translated into practical action. It is vital that the Government participate fully in the UN working group discussions in July and argues for a tough, effective treaty to control this deadly trade," says Barry Coates, Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand.

The treaty should ban transfers of arms or ammunition in five instances: when those weapons will be used for gross violations of international human rights or humanitarian law; when they would undermine development or involve corruption; provoke or worsen armed conflict; contribute to violent crime; or risk being diverted toward terrorist acts. These restrictions should not be controversial, but some countries with vested interests will try to block them.

"Our government must step forward now to argue for a tough and effective Arms Trade Treaty. Otherwise, the voices of less scrupulous countries will prevail, and dangerous arms transfers will continue unchecked," adds Holmes.

ENDS