Act for Peace joins action for a bulletproof Arms Trade Treaty

Act for Peace campaigners joined other NGOs to call on the United States to stand up for human rights in the Arms Trade Treaty, rather than attempting to water down human rights protection.

Act for Peace campaigners today joined a coalition of NGOs in Martin Place, Sydney to call on President Obama to demonstrate true leadership during crucial negotiations on the global arms trade.

Negotiations are currently taking place at the United Nations in New York to develop a potentially historic global treaty that could help end the devastation caused by the irresponsible and poorly regulated arms trade.

However, the US delegation is leading a push to weaken this agreement with a clause that would allow national security considerations to override any serious human rights concerns, including war crimes, when deciding to supply arms.

Global campaigners are urging governments to ensure a ‘Golden Rule’ on human rights is included in the treaty. This would mean that if there is a substantial risk arms to be supplied by a country are likely to be used to commit serious human violations the arms transfer shall not take place.

Similar actions will be taking place around the world.

For more information on Act for Peace’s role in the global campaign for a bulletproof Arms Trade Treaty, please click here, and connect with Act for Peace on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates on the Arms Trade Treaty negotiations.