No arms for atrocities
War crimes, unlawful killings, torture and other serious human rights abuses have been committed around the world using a wide range of weapons, munitions and military and security equipment. These are often provided to perpetrators in almost unlimited supply, encouraging and prolonging unlawful violence. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed, injured, raped and forced to flee from their homes as a result. Global society has no treaty to ensure the strict control of the international trade in conventional arms, while governments license irresponsible arms flows to fuel human atrocities and abuse.
States must stop allowing irresponsible transfers of arms and be made accountable to the international community. That is why since the 1990s Amnesty International has been campaigning for a global treaty to set rules for the strict regulation of the international arms trade.
Now an international Arms Trade Treaty is finally within reach. Leading up to July 2012, all governments will negotiate the text of the treaty at the United Nations. Amnesty International believes it is crucial that the treaty includes:
- Strong rules that protect human rights, preventing arms from being sent to those who would most likely use them to seriously violate these rights;
- A control list that includes all types of weapons, munitions and other arms;
- Clear rules to apply and monitor the Treaty with reporting to ensure they are enforced.
Our message is simple – if there is a substantial risk that arms exported to another country will contribute to serious human rights abuses, those arms supplies must be stopped.
No more arms for atrocities or abuses!
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The international trade in conventional arms is not the only arms control issue addressed by Amnesty International. We also research and address problems posed by inhumane weapons, ‘less lethal’ weapons and inhumane technologies used in policing and prisons.
Reports and briefings
No Arms for Atrocities or Abuses: Commit to an effective Arms trade treaty
Our Right to Know: Transparent Reporting under an Arms Trade Treaty
Key elements for implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)
How to Apply Human Rights Standards to Arms Transfer Decisions
Deadly Movements: Transportation Controls in the Arms Trade Treaty
Arms for Repression: Will they be covered by an Arms Trade Treaty?
How an Arms Trade Treaty can help prevent Armed Violence
Killer facts: The impact of the irresponsible arms trade on lives, rights and livelihoods
Arms transfers to the Middle East and North Africa: Lessons for an effective Arms Trade Treaty
Arms Trade Treaty: National Licensing or Authorization Systems
