The 'Big Six' Arms Exporters

The United States is by far the world's largest arms trader, accounting for around 30 per cent of conventional arms transfers in terms of value. Its position on the ATT is therefore key.

Countries supplied

The USA supplies arms to more than 170 countries and has a mixed record of suspending arms supplies on human rights grounds. For example, it has restricted arms transfers to Myanmar, China, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in addition to countries subject to UN arms embargoes. However, it has supplied arms to other countries, for example Sri Lanka, Bahrain, Egypt and Yemen, where there is a substantial risk that they could be used to commit of facilitate serious human rights violations.

Irresponsible transfers

As the main arms supplier to Egypt, the US authorized the sale of small arms, millions of rounds of ammunition and chemical agents for riot control, despite the security forces' violent crackdown on protesters. Yemen was also supplied with small arms, chemical agents and armoured vehicles, and Bahrain with small arms. It provides Colombia's security forces with arms, military aid and training, despite their persistent violations of human rights.

Stance on the ATT

Since October 2009, when the Obama administration reversed previous opposition to an ATT, US support has been crucial in getting to the current negotiation stage. The US has said it wants the treaty to raise the international standard for export control of armaments as close as possible to that of the US. However, the US position is weaker on human rights protection in the treaty than many of its allies. For example, US officials have not wanted to include obligations on states to prohibit transfers of arms even where there is credible evidence of their potential use for serious violations of human rights. US officials have also argued against including ammunition under the scope of the treaty, claiming it is too sensitive and would pose technical problems of implementation. Overall, US officials would prefer a short loose document that spells out general principles to "take into account" rather than strong binding measures.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201206111836.html

Joss Stone records song to down arms

Joss said: "The arms trade treaty could be one of the most important laws ever to be secured. A successful treaty could quite literally save lives, stop bloody conflicts and prevent millions of women, men and children from being terrorised from their homes.

"We've seen how weapons in the wrong hands can have utterly devastating consequences. Not just for the victims themselves, but also for their community. That's why I fully support Amnesty International's call upon world leaders to deliver a robust and effective arms trade treaty, with human rights at its core."

Dave, who produced the track added: "When you think about the fact that every year two bullets for every person on the planet are produced, it is quite clear that the arms trade is out of control. There has never been a greater need to tighten regulations on the arms trade than now.

http://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2012-07-05/joss-stone-records-song-to-down-arms/