Gun Policy News
The United Nations global gun trade treaty
Madagascar,Guinea,Ghana,Botswana,Angola,Algeria,South Africa,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Russia,Austria,Israel,Germany,Italy,United States,Yemen,Philippines,Pakistan,Sri Lanka,Tunisia,Brazil,Burkina Faso,Egypt,Côte d'Ivoire,Malawi,Mauritania,Morocco,Namibia,Niger,Nigeria,Congo (ROC),Senegal,Tanzania,Uganda,Zambia,Zimbabwe,Argentina,Ecuador,Chile,Honduras,Guatemala,United Arab Emirates,Trinidad & Tobago,Jordan,Dominican Republic,Singapore,Kazakhstan,Liberia,Saudi Arabia,Bosnia & Herzegovina,Congo (DRC),Guyana,Mauritius,Latvia,Oman,Nepal,Somalia,Bolivia,Colombia,Venezuela,Peru,Mexico,Qatar,Kuwait,Indonesia,Malaysia,Thailand
Brazilian Gun Industry Seeks New Markets: Africa and Asia [Portugues]
27 January 2012
Publica (Brazil)
[Translated summary: With the support of the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, Brazilian gun manufacturers seek new markets in countries with a history of human rights violations: Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Philippines and Yemen. Brazil is among the six countries in the world with annual exports exceeding $ 100 million, according to recent research from Small Arms Survey. According to the Army, responsible for supervising and controlling exports from 2005 to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Publica (Brazil)
35794
Greece,Colombia,Sri Lanka,Syria,Chad,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa
The Arms Trade Treaty and Human Rights - Amnesty's Report [Francais]
25 January 2012
Amnesty International
[Translated summary: While international negotiations on the adoption of an International Arms Trade Treaty are at a crucial time, Amnesty International published a report illustrating through the situation in 5 countries (Chad, Syria, Sri Lanka, Colombia, and Greece) the necessity of such an instrument to prevent deadly and irresponsible arms transfers.]
A l'heure où les négociations internationales en vue de l'adoption d'un traité international sur le commerce des... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Amnesty International
35769
Thailand,Colombia,Russia,United States,Uganda,Rwanda,South Africa,United Arab Emirates,Belgium,Sudan,Somalia,Côte d'Ivoire,Liberia,Angola,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Congo (DRC)
Stopping the Trade in Death, Gun Trafficking, Smuggling - Opinion
6 December 2011
New York Times, Opinion
On a dark November morning in 2004, I woke up in my bungalow overlooking Lake Kivu, tense with anticipation. Our small United Nations team was about to undertake a surprise inspection of three airfields in eastern Congo, notorious for smuggling operations.
With the backing of U.N. peacekeeping forces and a U.N. Security Council mandate, we searched almost every incoming and outgoing aircraft that day. By evening, we had the evidence to link several aviation front... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New York Times
35632
Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,United States
Tough to Prosecute Gun Dealers Without Laws: Oxfam, Human Rights First
4 November 2011
San Francisco Chronicle, Opinion
In a trial that played out with far less fanfare than the "Lord of War" movie based on Viktor Bout's life, the public got a rare glimpse into the shadowy world of international arms brokering. Bout was convicted by a federal jury in New York this week on four counts of conspiracy, including conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Not among the counts against him, ironically, was his alleged involvement in nearly 20 years of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: San Francisco Chronicle
35507
India,Afghanistan,Iraq,Sierra Leone,South Africa,Saudi Arabia,United States,United Kingdom,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa
'The Shadow World', an Incisive Exposé of the ArmsTrade - Book Review
1 November 2011
Telegraph (UK), Book review
If there is one book unlikely to appear on the Christmas reading lists of the former defence secretary Liam Fox and his self-professed adviser Adam Werritty, one suspects that this is it. The sorry case of Dr Fox and the mystery chum-cum-lobbyist amplifies what critics of the defence procurement industry – Feinstein prefers the racier "global arms trade" – have long argued. To put it mildly, and in a nutshell, it is not known for its transparency. Nor, for that... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Telegraph (UK)
35511
United States,Taiwan
Taiwan Gun Group Joins Global Fight to Keep and Bear Arms
25 October 2011
Taipei Times
The Taiwan Defensive Firearms Association (TDFA) earlier this month became a member of the International Association for the Protection of Civilian Arms Rights (IAPCAR), a global gun rights association working to protect and expand the ability to keep and bear arms around the globe.
In a press release, IAPCAR said the TDFA was joining 16 other groups from nine countries on five continents that represent millions of firearm owners and citizens concerned about civilian... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Taipei Times
35451
India,Spain,United Kingdom,Italy,Germany,France,Czech Republic,Bulgaria,Belgium,Austria,Yemen,Syria,Libya,Egypt,Bahrain,West Asia,North Africa,Europe,Russia,United States
Major Arms Exporters Accused of Mideast Gun Sales Before Human Rights
24 October 2011
al Jazeera
According to an Amnesty International report, the US, Russia and a number of European countries supplied large quantities of weapons to repressive governments in the Middle East and North Africa before this year's uprisings.
The report says that these arms deals were signed despite evidence of a substantial risk that they could be used to commit serious human rights violations.
The human rights group reports that in the five years preceding the Arab spring $2.4bn... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: al Jazeera
35448
European Union,China,Germany,South Korea,Switzerland,Serbia,France,United Kingdom,Syria,Yemen,Bulgaria,Belgium,Libya,Italy,Bahrain,Egypt,United States,Russia,West Asia,North Africa,Finland,Austria,Sudan,North Korea,Spain
Tracing the Middle East Weapons Flow
19 October 2011
al Jazeera
Earlier this year, as mass popular uprisings spread through the Middle East and audiences across the world sat transfixed by images of unarmed citizens confronting iron-fisted security forces in the streets of Arab capitals, powerful governments from Russia to the United States were forced to begin accounting for the weapons they had for decades sold to the very rulers they now found themselves abandoning.
In Egypt and Bahrain, protesters held up tear gas canisters... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: al Jazeera
35436
Germany,France,Czech Republic,Bulgaria,United Kingdom,Belgium,Austria,Yemen,Syria,Libya,Egypt,Bahrain,North America,West Asia,North Africa,Europe,United States,Russia,Italy,Spain
Arab Spring Abuses Show Need for Arms Trade Curb - Amnesty
18 October 2011
Reuters (Africa)
LONDON - Russia, the United States and European countries ignored fears over human rights abuses and sold large numbers of weapons to governments in the Middle East and North Africa in recent years, Amnesty International said in a report on Wednesday.
Rights group Amnesty said the failings showed the need for a meaningful international arms trade treaty to choke off the supply of weapons to countries seen at risk of turning them on their own people.
"The Arab Spring... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Reuters (Africa)
35431
Europe,North America,St Lucia,Barbados,Antigua & Barbuda,Trinidad & Tobago,St Kitts & Nevis,Jamaica,Bahamas,Caribbean
Caribbean Nations Demand Global Gun Trade Treaty to Curb Armed Crime
11 October 2011
Caribbean 360 (Barbados)
NEW YORK, United States - Battling the scourge of rising crime and violence and some of the world's highest murders rates, Caribbean nations are appealing to the United Nation for help.
They are urging the world body to help them stem the unrelenting flow of guns and ammunition to the region.
From the Bahamas, Jamaica and St. Kitts-Nevis, countries with some of the world's highest homicide rates, Trinidad and Tobago, which already has a state of emergency in place... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Caribbean 360 (Barbados)
35396
Caribbean,Jamaica
Tighter Regulation Needed on Small Arms Trade, said Jamaica at UN
27 September 2011
Middle East North Africa Financial Network
An international regime is needed to regulate the sale and transfer of small and light weapons, Jamaica's Deputy Prime Minister told the General Assembly's annual general debate today.
"Jamaica, like its Caribbean Community (CARICOM) partners, continues to face severe threats to our long-term socio-economic development from the illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, small arms and light weapons and ammunition," Kenneth Baugh said .
Mr. Baugh said progress on the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Middle East North Africa Financial Network
35337
Oceania
Global Gun Trade Treaty Promises Universal Weapon Standards for Pacific
21 September 2011
ABC Radio Australia (Shortwave), Audio
Oxfam has applauded Pacific island leaders for committing to work together and form a common position on the International Arms Trade Treaty.
The treaty is being negotiatied by UN member states and will create the first universal standards for arms trading. The Pacific has had little representation in talks so far. But now, the region has a chance to have its voice heard when the treaty is negotiated in July next year.
Presenter: Geraldine Coutts
Speaker: Luke... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: ABC Radio Australia (Shortwave)
35305
Oceania
Oxfam Praises Pacific Leaders for UN Gun Control Treaty Breakthrough
16 September 2011
Radio New Zealand International (Shortwave)
Lobbyists trying to control the international arms trade say Pacific Islands Forum leaders' commitment to a united voice on the matter is a remarkable achievement.
The leaders have thrown their support behind developing a common position on the International Arms Trade Treaty to be negotiated next year.
An Oxfam spokesman Luke Roughton says the hard work starts now.
"To figure out what they want out of the Arms Trade Treaty, how they want to achieve it, that they... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Radio New Zealand International (Shortwave)
35306
United States
Obama Lets UN Do 'Dirty Work,' Drafting Onerous New Gun Ban Treaty
24 August 2011
Politico (Washington DC), Opinion
Not long ago, the gun control advocates Jim and Sarah Brady visited the White House. President Barack Obama reportedly told them that he was working on new gun control schemes "under the radar."
It's been said that guns have two enemies — rust and politicians. Rust never sleeps, and neither do those who would seek to restrict our constitutional rights. So let me tell you about a meeting you weren't invited to, where those people were planning an attack on our rights... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Politico (Washington DC)
35216
South Africa,Brazil,Argentina,Australia,Mexico,United States,Canada,Africa,Sweden,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas
Canada Gun Lobby Influence on Foreign Policy: Arms Trade Treaty
3 August 2011
Embassy Magazine (Canada), Opinion
Canada has never been a strong supporter of international efforts to negotiate an effective Arms Trade Treaty. But in mid-July, it reversed its previous low-key but constructive role at the United Nations ATT preparatory meetings to become a potential treaty spoiler. All indications point to this change of heart arising from the domestic gun lobby's influence on Canadian foreign policy.
After years of preparation, member states of the United Nations will devote a month... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Embassy Magazine (Canada)
35160
Iran,Canada,United States,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa
UN Global Arms Trade Treaty Could Dangerously Weaken US Gun Rights
1 August 2011
Albany Democrat-Herald (Oregon), Editorial
For five years the United Nations has been working on a comprehensive treaty to control the international arms trade. The last preparatory meetings were held in New York on July 11-15, and the organization is preparing the final version to be adopted and released for ratification by the member nations in 2012. The process represents a constitutional threat to Americans with, unfortunately, the support of President Obama.
The treaty seeks to control and restrict arms... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Albany Democrat-Herald (Oregon)
35157
Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,United States
US Senate Opposition Mounts to UN Arms Trade Treaty
26 July 2011
US News & World Report
Senate opposition is growing to President Obama's support for a United Nations effort that could bring international gun control into the United States and slap America's gun owners with severe restrictions.
At last count, 55 senators, including 10 Democrats, have signed letters to the president and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton saying they will oppose the Arms Trade Treaty . The treaty must win a two-thirds majority to win passage, meaning that approval appears... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: US News & World Report
35151
Pakistan,South Asia,China,United States,United Kingdom,Germany,France,India,Nepal
Global Gun Trade Treaty the Only Way to Control 'Arms Bazaar'
25 July 2011
República (Kathmandu), Opinion
In 2009, I recall visiting a militant camp in India's North East a day before they would surrender. The deputy commander who was in charge and allegedly responsible for the death of at least 200 people brandished his M16 assault rifle and flaunted his bodyguard who was following him with a rocket launcher. He was calm but shifty-eyed and admitted having a personal saving of a few billion INR in his account. Barely 24 hours after his formal surrender, he was in seen in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: República (Kathmandu)
35116
Israel,United Kingdom,Russia,France,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,China,United States
Productive Negotiations at the UN on Arms Trade Treaty [Francais]
18 July 2011
Courrier du Vietnam / AFP
[Translated summary: Member States of the UN "made significant progress" during the week of negotiations in New York for the adoption in July 2012 of the Arms Trade Treaty, said on July 15 Eric Danon, representative of France in the negotiations.]
Les États membres de l'ONU ont "beaucoup progressé" pendant une semaine de négociations à New York en vue de l'adoption en juillet 2012 d'un traité sur le commerce des armes, a déclaré le 15 juillet Eric Danon,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Courrier du Vietnam / AFP
35078
Canada
Canadian Govt Tries to Exempt 'Hunting Guns' from UN Arms Trade Treaty
15 July 2011
Toronto Sun (Ontario)
OTTAWA - The Canadian government is trying to spare hunting rifles and sporting arms from a United Nations one-size-fits-all international standard to regulate the flow of weapons around the world.
Gun advocates in Canada praised the feds Friday, but gun control advocates and the opposition blasted the move as an irresponsible ploy to hamper the UN's efforts to save lives.
On Thursday, Canadian diplomats at the treaty's preliminary negotiations in New York tried to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Toronto Sun (Ontario)
35065
Europe,Oceania,Asia,Americas,Africa,Canada
Canada Tosses Gun Lobby Wrench Into UN Arms Trade Treaty Negotiations
15 July 2011
Edmonton Journal (Alberta)
Canada has thrown a wrench into negotiations toward a UN arms-trade treaty by proposing hunting rifles be exempted from the draft accord, gun-control groups say.
But firearms advocates are praising the move, calling it evidence the Harper government is on their side when it comes to gun control.
Preliminary talks on a future Arms Trade Treaty are being held this week at the United Nations in New York. The treaty would establish common international standards for the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Edmonton Journal (Alberta)
35059
United States,European Union,United Kingdom,Germany,France,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa
Skepticism, Caution as UN 'Stumbles' Toward Global Gun Trade Treaty
14 July 2011
Inter Press Service News Agency
UNITED NATIONS - After six years of protracted negotiations, a largely sceptical international community is moving towards readying a long outstanding global Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) for signature by July next year.
"Governments have made a tremendous amount of progress toward this important treaty," Dr. Natalie Goldring, a senior research fellow at the Center for Peace and Security Studies of the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, told... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Inter Press Service News Agency
35111
Fiji
Porous Border Saw Use of Foreign Firearms During Armed Violence in Fiji
27 June 2011
Radio Fiji
The porous nature of Fiji's borders saw the use of foreign firearms in past coups says Fiji Ministry of Defence senior officer Joji Washington.
Washington made the comments at the Asia Pacific Consultation on Arms Trade Treaty held in in Bali, Indonesia earlier this month.
He told the Forum Fiji has been subjected to several coups where conventional weapons were used and resulted in bloodshed.
Washington says authorities have confirmed that some of these arms were of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Radio Fiji
34980
Philippines
Philippine Government Supports a Strong Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)
19 June 2011
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Opinion
Every day around the world, armed violence kills approximately 2,000 people. In the Philippines, reports estimate the casualties at between 16 and 22 each day.
The Philippine Action Network to Control Arms (PhilANCA) is pleased that the Philippines is supporting an Arms Trade Treaty in the United Nations. The treaty aims to diminish and prevent the obscene human cost of the irresponsible trade in arms.
However, we do not need just any Arms Trade Treaty. We need a... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Philippine Daily Inquirer
34960
Pakistan
Pakistani Government is Unlikely to Agree to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)
15 June 2011
Observer (Pakistan)
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan is unlikely to agree to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), in its present format, as Ministry of Foreign Affairs argues that linking of arms transfers with human rights criteria may have severe implications. The first meeting of inter-ministerial meeting of experts' group on conventional arms was chaired by Director, Disarmament, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 12, 2011.
As per decisions of the senior level Inter-Ministerial meeting on Arms... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Observer (Pakistan)
34943
United States,North Africa,Russia,European Union,East Asia,Indonesia,China
The Arms Trade Treaty, Several Hurdles Must be Overcome Before 2012
8 June 2011
United Nations News & Commentary
In a three-day meeting organized by the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) the European Union, and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, representatives of nearly 30 East Asian and Pacific countries are gathering with regional and international organizations to discuss the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).
This is the latest in a series of regional meetings UNIDIR is conducting to develop concrete recommendations on the future Treaty and to assist States with... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: United Nations News & Commentary
34919
Asia,Indonesia
Asia-pacific Countries Readying for the Arms Trade Treaty at UN
7 June 2011
Jakarta Post
Representatives from 30 Asia-Pacific countries gathered in Bali on Monday (June 6) to discuss arms transfers and ways to improve controls through a new international legally binding instrument - the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) - currently being negotiated at the UN.
The Bali meeting is part of a process to strengthen the negotiations leading up to the adoption of the treaty at a UN conference in 2012 by ensuring an inclusive process by allowing countries to make... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Jakarta Post
34927
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands Inputs in Negotiations on the International Arms Trade Treaty
31 May 2011
Solomon Star (Solomon Star)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must get whole of government support and develop a comprehensive policy framework to ensure that the planned international arms trade treaty (ATT) has the most benefit to the Solomon Islands.
These were some of the recommendations emerging from a national consultation held in Honiara last Thursday on the treaty, which aims to create a legally binding international framework to regulate the trade in conventional weapons.
If successful... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Solomon Star (Solomon Star)
34873
Mexico,United States
Obama Exploiting Mexican Drug Wars to Push US, Global Gun Control
29 April 2011
Politico (Washington DC)
PITTSBURGH — John Bolton suggested Friday that Barack Obama is laying the foundation to push an ambitious gun control agenda if he wins a second term.
Trying to make his background relevant to an audience of gun activists, the former ambassador to the United Nations and dark horse presidential candidate accused the administration of using its own failures in the war against Mexican drug cartels as a pretext for more gun control.
"We can understand that, as he likes... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Politico (Washington DC)
34733
United States
Hidden Agenda Behind Obama's New Push for Gun Control - John Lott
24 March 2011
Fox News (USA), Opinion
Despite the Libyan crisis and ongoing problems with America's massive deficit, last week President Obama decided it was time to focus on gun control. He wrote an op-ed, challenged the NRA to negotiate new gun control regulations, and met with gun control groups.
Of course, Obama's op-ed says he supports gun rights. Yet, he also emphasizes that he doesn't want people to "shout at one another" and supports "reasonable laws." Alas, this is simply positioning for the 2012... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Fox News (USA)
34585
India
5000 Indians Die Each Year Due to Unregulated Global Gun Trade
12 March 2011
Kangla Online / Imphal Free Press (Manipur)
NEW DELHI - Each year worldwide, 500,000 people are killed directly with conventional weapons and many more are injured, abused, forcibly displaced and bereaved as a result of armed violence. And 5000 Indians are killed every year due to unregulated arms trade.
The movement of arms across the world is a huge threat to human security. 1,135 companies in 98 countries manufacture arms, ammunitions and components worldwide. Yet the global trade that fuels the epidemic of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Kangla Online / Imphal Free Press (Manipur)
34552
Europe,Asia,France,Oceania,Americas,Africa
French Ambassador Says UN Moving Closer to Global Gun Trade Treaty
4 March 2011
Associated Press
UNITED NATIONS – France's ambassador for disarmament says countries meeting at the U.N. are moving closer to consensus on the need for a legally binding treaty to regulate the multibillion-dollar global arms trade.
Ambassador Eric Dannon said Friday that the Arms Trade Treaty being discussed would meet two objectives: regulate the legal trade of conventional weapons by requiring countries to track arms exports and imports, and help fight illicit... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
34494
Australia
The Arms Trade Treaty - A Test Run for Australia on the UN Security Council
1 March 2011
Canberra Times (Australia), Opinion
It is no secret that Australia is seeking a seat on the UN Security Council, the body responsible for maintaining global peace and security. This would place Australia in the inner sanctum of the most powerful body of the UN, albeit without the veto rights of the five permanent members.
Whatever your perspectives about Australia's motivations for making this bid, events unfolding this week in Libya and at the UN give us reason to seriously consider the potential... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Canberra Times (Australia)
34591
United States,United Kingdom
UK Gun Dealers Face US Charges Involving Tens of Thousands of AK47s
20 February 2011
Guardian (UK)
His lawyers contend he is a model citizen. And as a successful businessman, Gary Hyde certainly exudes an aura of respectability. For years the 41-year-old father of two was a volunteer police officer in his home town of York, until a serious injury forced him to retire. "He is an upstanding and respected member of that community," his lawyers argued last week.
But now another picture of Hyde is emerging. A man who had turned his enthusiasm for guns and military... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (UK)
34436
Caribbean,Trinidad & Tobago
Arms Trade Treaty Needed to Mesh with Domestic Caribbean Gun Laws
1 February 2011
Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
Despite the regulatory provisions of the Firearms and Customs Acts, there is evidence that domestic legislation has proven insufficient to combat the illegal arms trade. Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan yesterday said while domestic legislation was necessary there was greater need to collaborate with international partners to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms. Rambachan was speaking at the opening ceremony of the second regional workshop on... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
34318
Sri Lanka,Zimbabwe,Côte d'Ivoire
Is Zimbabwe Illegally Supplying Guns, Ammunition to Côte d'Ivoire?
31 January 2011
Institute for Security Studies (Pretoria)
On 23 January, the Sunday Times in the UK reported that in the dying days of 2010 the Zimbabwe government clandestinely transferred arms to incument President Laurent Gbagbo's administration in the Ivory Coast.
The arms consignment allegedly comprised small arms, mortars and ammunition, which was mainly of Chinese origin. The transfer was facilitated by the state-owned Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI), and was supposedly dispatched with the blessing of Zimbabwean... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Institute for Security Studies (Pretoria)
34393
Americas,Trinidad & Tobago,Caribbean
Arms Trade Treaty Needed to Curb Gun Running, Save Lives in Caribbean
31 January 2011
Trinidad and Tobago Express
A large percentage of the victims and perpetrators of gun violence in the region are young men, Foreign Affairs Minister Surujrattan Rambachan said yesterday.
Rambachan was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Second Regional Workshop on Negotiations for the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain.
"Research has established that in the main, the victims and perpetrators of gun violence in the region are young men of low socio-economic... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Trinidad and Tobago Express
34308
United States,United Kingdom
Licensed British Gun Dealers Charged in UK-US 'AK-47 Conspiracy'
30 January 2011
Guardian (UK)
The shadowy world of Britain's arms dealers has been thrust into the spotlight after the directors of two companies based in York and Kent were charged with conspiring to illegally export to the US hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition for AK-47 assault rifles in breach of an American embargo.
Court documents filed in the US claim that British businessman Gary Hyde and his associate Karl Kleber fraudulently imported more than 5,000 Chinese-produced AK-47 drum... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (UK)
34301
Africa
Arms Trade Treaty to Control Guns, Rein in Trigger Happy Rogue Regimes
29 January 2011
Inter Press Service News Agency
PARIS - A half a century after U.S. president Dwight Eisenhower named and denounced the military-industrial complex's ever-increasing influence on world affairs, the arms trade thrives more than ever, with African states frequently being the destination.
Although figures are hard to come by, the development advocacy group Oxfam estimates that, every year, sub-Saharan African governments spend around 18 billion dollars on weapons and defence, roughly the same amount as... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Inter Press Service News Agency
34286
Thailand,United States,Russia
Arms Treaty Campaigners Seize on 'Merchant of Death' Gun Running Case
28 January 2011
Inter Press Service News Agency
When Andrew Niccol wrote and directed the feature film "Lord of War", the story was partly inspired by the life of Viktor Bout, a Russian businessman suspected of using his air cargo company as a cover for arms dealing.
While he succeeded in trading arms all over the planet – and especially in war-torn nations like Sierra Leone and Liberia - for two decades without technically breaking any international laws, Bout was finally arrested in 2008 in Thailand, as part of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Inter Press Service News Agency
34273
Venezuela,United States,Central America,Norway,Colombia,South America,West Asia,Sweden
Support for Arms Trade Treaty Grows as Norway, Sweden Fund SIPRI
26 January 2011
United Press International
WASHINGTON - Support for international efforts to secure an effective arms trade treaty has received boost with new European funds going into the work of leading think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Frenetic arms buying in Latin America in 2009 and last year led to diplomatic initiatives, including several from the Obama administration, to control a trend that critics said could turn into an arms race.
The arms buying was fueled partly by... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: United Press International
34258
United States,Africa,Russia
Russian Arms Dealer's Trial Resumes Amid Calls for Global Arms Treaty
21 January 2011
Voice of America
Alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout makes a second appearance in a New York court Friday, where he is accused of offering to supply arms to terrorists and rebels in Africa. Oxfam, an International non-governmental organization fighting poverty and injustice, says the Bout case shows why there is an urgent need for global rules on arms trade.
The charges against Viktor Bout stem from a 2008 U.S. sting operation in which authorities say Bout tried to sell weapons to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Voice of America
34235
Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa
Globalisation and the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons
15 January 2011
Eurasia Review
In June 2010, the representatives of all United Nations (UN) Member States came together at the Biennial Meeting of States in New York to consider the implementation of the 2001 Programme of Action (POA) on the illicit trade in small arms. The program was initiated in July 2001 to keep a check on the ever-growing illicit trade on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and to help countries, combat this pernicious problem. While the forum has worked continuously for the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Eurasia Review
34133
United States,Vatican
Catholic Church Firmly, Quietly, Globally Opposes Firearms for Civilians
14 January 2011
Catholic News Service (Washington DC)
VATICAN CITY - The Catholic Church's position on gun control is not easy to find; there are dozens of speeches and talks and a few documents that call for much tighter regulation of the global arms trade, but what about private gun ownership?
The answer is resoundingly clear: Firearms in the hands of civilians should be strictly limited and eventually completely eliminated.
But you won't find that statement in a headline or a document subheading. It's almost hidden in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Catholic News Service (Washington DC)
34132
India
India's Own 'Charlton Heston' Gun Owners Push for US-style Gun Culture
20 December 2010
Global Post (Boston)
NEW DELHI, India — At a posh farmhouse outside Delhi, a group of gun enthusiasts gathered on a recent Sunday afternoon to compare weapons, do a little shooting and talk strategy. Software professionals, executives and salesmen in their 30s and 40s, they're typical upper middle-class Delhiwallahs. Except for one thing: While liberal India bemoans the gun culture taking over its metropolitan cities, they're fighting to make sure one day every Indian gets the right to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Global Post (Boston)
33874
Australia
Government Promotes Lucrative Openings for Australian Arms Exports
19 November 2010
Online Opinion (Australia), Opinion
Things have been a bit dodgy in my neighbourhood lately. Some strange characters are hanging around, and more than the usual smattering of domestic arguments are disturbing the peace. Were it not for our gun ownership laws, it would be a golden opportunity. Set up a local arms and graft fair, similar to those wonderful weekend art and craft fairs, make a neat profit and help the nation's economy, all at once.
The international scene is not constrained by such laws... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Online Opinion (Australia)
33712
Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,United States,Africa
Towards a Bullet-proof Arms Trade Treaty - Amnesty International
19 November 2010
Disarmament Times (USA), Opinion
The poorly regulated global trade in conventional arms and ammunition has an enormous human cost.(1)
One hundred twenty-eight armed conflicts since 1989 have resulted in at least 250,000 deaths each year. Serious injuries are even more numerous. Ratios of reported battlefield injuries to deaths vary from 2 to 28 injuries for every death.
Twenty-six million people worldwide had been displaced as a result of armed conflict at the end of 2008. The top six countries of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Disarmament Times (USA)
33670
Africa,Russia,Thailand,United States
Heavy Price to Pay for Dealing With Viktor Bout, Lord of War
18 November 2010
Herald (Scotland), Opinion
He's been dubbed the Merchant of Death.
Viktor Bout, former Russian army officer turned international arms dealer extraordinaire, was this week extradited to the US from Thailand, accused of trying to sell weapons to Colombian rebels as well as supplying many of the guns, bombs and bullets used in conflicts across Africa and the Middle East.
Bout – pronounced "boot" – is very much a man who epitomises the dangerous and mercenary times we live in. Here we have a... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Herald (Scotland)
33711
Papua New Guinea,New Zealand,Oceania,Australia
Lack of Legislation Leaves Pacific, NZ Wide Open to Illegal Arms Trading
20 October 2010
ABC News (Australia), Transcript
A new report on illegal arms trading has singled out New Zealand as an example of a country where weaknesses in company law allow the trade to proliferate.
The report, Brokers without Borders, by the international aid organisation Oxfam, draws on the example of a shipment of conventional weapons that was intercepted in Thailand en route from North Korea to Iran in December last year.
It transpired that the plane chartered to carry the illegal shipment had been leased... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: ABC News (Australia)
33563
New Zealand,Thailand,North Korea
North Korea-Bangkok Gun Runners Show NZ Vulnerable to Arms Trafficking
19 October 2010
New Zealand Herald
Gaps in New Zealand's company laws that leave the country vulnerable to illegal arms traders need to be addressed urgently, an Oxfam report says.
The report, Brokers without Borders, was released yesterday and highlighted the need for a global arms trade treaty.
It holds New Zealand up as an example of how illicit arms brokers continue to use international networks of companies to exploit regulatory gaps, when detailing an incident last December when a 35-tonne cache... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Zealand Herald
33545
Iran,New Zealand,North Korea,Thailand
Oxfam Report Details New Zealand's Vulnerability in Global Gun Trade
19 October 2010
New Zealand Press Association
Gaps in New Zealand's company laws that leave the country vulnerable to illegal arms traders need to be addressed urgently, an Oxfam report says.
The report, Brokers without Borders, was released yesterday and highlighted the need for a global arms trade treaty.
It holds New Zealand up as an example of how illicit arms brokers continue to use international networks of companies to exploit regulatory gaps, when detailing an incident last December when a 35-tonne cache... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Zealand Press Association
33504
Trinidad & Tobago
Global Gun Trade Treaty Vital, Says Trinidad & Tobago Foreign Minister
10 October 2010
Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Surujrattan Rambachan says T&T is being encouraged by the United Nations to conclude a legally binding agreement to regulate the gun trade. Rambachan yesterday spoke about the regulations while addressing the United Nations Association of T&T (UNATT) which held its annual general meeting at The Normandie, St Ann's.
Rambachan said T&T also called for a strong and effective implementation regime to ensure compliance with the provision of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (Trinidad and Tobago)
33465
United Nations,Nigeria
UN Urged to Take Decisive Action, Curb Gun Trafficking in Nigeria, Africa
12 August 2010
Vanguard (Lagos)
OWERRI, Nigeria — The President of Youths Enhancement Organization,(YEO), Ambassador Obinna Egbuka, has appealed to the United Nations to take decisive action to end what he termed "the irresponsible trade in conventional weapons across the globe".
Obinna, who spoke in Owerri, ahead of this year's World Youths Day, said the appeal became expedient now as Nigeria grapples with increasing cases of kidnapping and armed robbery.
He argued "that trade in conventional... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Vanguard (Lagos)
33171
India
High Demand for Legal, Illegal Firearms as India Tightens Gun Control
25 July 2010
Economic Times (India)
When Mahendra Singh Dhoni applied to buy a 9 mm pistol, it triggered a riot of redtapism in his home state of Jharkhand. He was made to run from pillar to post for several months, before his application was sent to Delhi's North Block, the union home ministry headquarters, for final approval. The captain of the national cricket team finally received the licence for the bore, but not before two years of paperwork and a controversy over the authorities demanding, among... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Economic Times (India)
33143
United Nations
Global Gun Trade Treaty Talks End on Upbeat Note at United Nations
24 July 2010
Agence France Presse
UNITED NATIONS - Preparatory UN talks on a treaty to regulate the world's 55-billion-dollar arms trade ended Friday with reports of progress in defining the goals, scope and principles a future pact.
A future Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) was "to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit transfer, production and brokering of conventional arms," said Argentina's UN delegate Martin Garcia Moritan, chair of the two-week session.
The pact would create controls to stop the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Agence France Presse
33063
United Nations
Arms Trade Treaty Makes 'Significant Progress' as 'All UN Countries Agree'
23 July 2010
Reuters
Supporters of a world arms trade treaty said significant progress had been made as nations concluded the first round of talks on Friday on a pact meant to regulate the $55 billion global weapons market.
All U.N. countries had now accepted the principle of a treaty, delegates said.
Arms control campaigners say one person every minute dies as a result of armed violence, and a convention is needed to prevent illicitly traded guns from pouring into conflict zones and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Reuters
33079
United Nations,United States
UN Gun Trade Treaty 'Threat to US Second and First Amendment Rights'
23 July 2010
Washington Times, Editorial
The United Nations is holding secret closed meetings to work out a global arms trade treaty. The agreement, which could be finished by 2012, is a threat to Americans' Second and First Amendment rights.
"Some type of micro-stamping regulations seems all but inevitable. It is very, very likely," the Heritage Foundation's Theodore R. Bromund, who tracks the U.N., told The Washington Times. "Restrictions on trade between private individuals are somewhat less than 50-50,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Washington Times
33078
United States,United Nations,Pakistan,France
Principle of Global Gun Trade Treaty 'Now Agreed by All Countries' at UN
23 July 2010
Washington Post / AP
UNITED NATIONS - The world's nations took the first steps at a conference that ended Friday toward a legally binding treaty that would try to regulate the multibillion dollar arms trade and prevent the transfer of weapons to armed groups fueling conflicts, terrorists and human rights violators.
When the conference began two weeks ago in the 192-member General Assembly, many delegates were uncertain whether there would be wide support for a treaty regulating a trade... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Washington Post / AP
33073
United Nations,United States
Obama's Support for Gun Trade Treaty Speeds Progress at United Nations
23 July 2010
Bloomberg (USA)
President Barack Obama's support for a treaty to regulate the $55 billion-a-year trade in conventional weapons has spurred broad agreement on the elements of global regulation, diplomats said today.
"The principle of an arms trade treaty is now agreed by all countries, even if some have reservations," Eric Danon, France's envoy, said after two weeks of preliminary negotiations ended at the United Nations in New York. "Trying to have a comprehensive universal treaty in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Bloomberg (USA)
33067
France,Bulgaria,Kenya
Amnesty International Report Claims Kenya Abets Regional Gun Running
21 July 2010
Standard (Nairobi)
Kenya is one of the countries that have failed to control movement of weapons, which end up being used to commit war crimes.
A new report by Amnesty International shows how countries fail to control trafficking of deadly arms globally, leading to serious human rights violation.
The report exposed how transport companies registered in five countries ship arms by sea and air around the world.
The report, Deadly Movements: Arms Transportation Controls in the Arms Trade... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Standard (Nairobi)
33144
United Nations
UN Five Parmanent Members Accused of Facilitating Illegal Arms Transfer
19 July 2010
Inter Press Service News Agency
UNITED NATIONS - The five permanent members of the Security Council - the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China - are accused of facilitating the transport of conventional weapons and cluster munitions to countries where they could be used to commit human rights violations and war crimes.
The pointed accusations come from the London-based Amnesty International (AI) which singles out recent arms shipments by transport companies and airlines registered in the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Inter Press Service News Agency
33066
Germany,United Nations
Arms Trade Loopholes Allow German, Other Transport Firms to Ship Guns
19 July 2010
Deutsche Welle
An Amnesty International report says that transport companies in nations such as Germany are using arms trade agreement loopholes to deliver weapons to human rights violators. Amnesty is calling on the UN to take action.
According to a new report released Monday by Amnesty International, transport companies in certain countries are using loopholes in arms trade agreements to deliver weapons to human rights abusers abroad. German transport companies are among those... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Deutsche Welle
33059
United Nations
Amnesty International Urges UN to Control Global Gun Trade Transport
18 July 2010
Financial Times (UK)
The United Nations must take a harder look at controlling the transport of deadly weapons around the world, a leading pressure group reports on Monday, amid fears that the imposition of tough national licensing regimes is an insufficient brake on the process.
As the UN steps up work on the creation of an international arms trade treaty, Amnesty International has highlighted how states with tough arms-export bans still find their rules being circumvented by lax... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Financial Times (UK)
33058
United Nations
UN Begins Work on Treaty to Regulate the Expanding Global Arms Trade
13 July 2010
Associated Press
UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations began negotiations on a legally binding treaty aimed at regulating the global arms trade to help prevent the illegal transfer of guns that kill and injure thousands of people every day.
The General Assembly first voted in December 2006 to work toward a treaty regulating the growing, multibillion dollar arms trade. Last December, the 192-member world body decided to hold a four-week U.N. conference in 2012 to draft an arms trade... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
33006
United Nations
United Nations Begin Talks on Legally Binding, Global Arms Trade Treaty
12 July 2010
Reuters
UNITED NATIONS - The world's nations opened negotiations on Monday on an arms trade treaty meant to regulate the $55 billion global weapons market and prevent guns from pouring into conflict zones and fueling wars and atrocities.
One person every minute dies as a result of armed violence, and some 128 armed conflicts since the end of the Cold War in 1989 have led to at least 250,000 deaths each year, according to the Control Arms Campaign, an international advocacy... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Reuters
33007
United Nations
UN Arms Trade Treaty Targets Guns, Planes, Tanks, Warships, Ammunition
12 July 2010
Voice of America
Formal negotiations began Monday on a new international treaty to control the trade of conventional weapons. More than 190 nations are taking part at U.N. headquarters in New York.
Supporters of the treaty say it would save thousands of lives every year. The Control Arms Campaign, a coalition of civil society groups, says 128 armed conflicts since 1989 have claimed about 250,000 deaths each year.
The campaign says since 2006, the "vast majority of governments in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Voice of America
33004
United Nations
UN Global Gun Trade Treaty Talks Target 'Extreme Cases' of Arms Dealing
10 July 2010
Inter Press Service News Agency
UNITED NATIONS - Experts from over 100 U.N. member states will convene Monday for two weeks to discuss the elements to be included in a long-awaited Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) - what will be a multilateral, legally-binding document regulating the transfer of conventional weapons and small and light arms.
The upcoming meeting is the first of four Preparatory Committee sessions to take place in 2010 and 2011, leading up to the 2012 Conference during which the ATT is... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Inter Press Service News Agency
33003
Liberia
West Africa Threatened by Proliferation of Guns, Says Liberia to UN
25 June 2010
Analyst (Liberia)
Liberia's permanent Representative to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union Ambassador Conmany B. Wesseh has told a world conference that the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons poses great threat to global peace and security and that his native country, Liberia, can testify to such danger.
Amb. Wesseh, who is also the chairman of the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LINCSA), is the head of a five man delegation to the United States... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Analyst (Liberia)
32892
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone Civil Society Groups Promote Global Gun Trade Treaty
14 May 2010
Awoko (Freetown)
The Sierra Leone Action Network on Small Arms (SLANSA) has urged the government of Sierra Leone to support the UN Firearms Protocol meeting in New York on June 18 this year.
SLANSA Coordinator Florella Hazeley told reporters yesterday that the protocol is the only binding global agreement on firearms which are too easily smuggled across national borders.
She added "we urge the government to review and harmonize laws on firearms and domestic violence and domestic... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Awoko (Freetown)
32683
Guyana
Georgetown, Guyana Has 'Over 150,000 Illegal Guns,' Says Local YWCA
11 May 2010
Stabroek News (Guyana)
There are at least 150,000 persons in possession of illegal guns in Georgetown, General Secretary of the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) Glynis Beaton said yesterday, while pointing out that the local "arms race" has created levels of armed violence at epidemic proportions.
"We are concerned about the increase in the levels and lethality of violence within our society, one within which our young people are learning the harsh realities of life and death... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Stabroek News (Guyana)
32998
United Nations,India
Civil Society Groups Urge India to Support Global Gun Trade Treaty
10 May 2010
City News (Pakistan) / NNI
Each year around the world, 500,000 people are killed directly with conventional weapons and many more are injured, abused, forcibly displaced and bereaved as a result of armed violence.
An Indian Civil Society urging for an International Arms Trade Treaty to stop the inflow of illegal small arms and light weapons in India said: "Around 58,000 Indians died due to armed violence in the last 15 years. The highest casualties have been reported from India's Northeast... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: City News (Pakistan) / NNI
32646
United States,United Nations,Canada
US-Canada Gun Smuggling Shows Need for a Global Gun Trade Treaty
29 April 2010
Women Make News, Editorial
One third of all guns in the world are in the U.S. And half the guns used to commit crimes in Canada come from south of the border. So yes, this country needs and wants an International Arms Treaty.
"Here in Canada we live next to a country with as many guns as people and those guns are killing Canadians. This is the main argument for an international agreement," asserted Coalition for Gun Control president Wendy Cukier during an April 22 conference in Toronto.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Women Make News
32591
Nigeria
Nigerian Gun Amnesty Alleged Fraudulent, Corrupted by Government
25 April 2010
234 Next (Timbuktu)
The federal government's amnesty programme is heading for the rocks with allegations that money meant for the rehabilitation of militants has been embezzled and the youth are now threatening to return to the creeks.
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan who was all too aware of the dangers, moved last week to salvage public confidence in the programme by restructuring it.
Under the new structure, Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Timi Alaibe, would... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: 234 Next (Timbuktu)
32568
United States
Obama Could, Should Do More to Curb the Destructive Spread of Guns
10 March 2010
Center for American Progress (USA), Report
The proliferation of small arms and light weapons is an immediate security challenge to individuals, societies, and states around the world and an enormous hurdle to sustainable security and development. Small arms fuel civil wars, organized criminal violence, and terrorist activities. They also undermine multimillion dollar development programs and other assistance to fragile states. Fragile and failing states should be of particular strategic interest to the United... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Center for American Progress (USA)
32339
United Nations,United States
Obama, Clinton Join UN Treaty Push to Set Global Gun Trade Controls
18 February 2010
Defense News (USA)
The United States is working with other countries and the United Nations to impose uniform controls on international sales of conventional arms. But the U.S. State Department said it is likely to be years before an Arms Trade Treaty takes effect.
The United States is committed to pursuing a "robust treaty" that sets "the highest possible legally binding standards" for international sales of conventional weapons, U.S. Ambassador Donald Mahley said Feb. 18 in an address... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Defense News (USA)
32179
United Nations,United States
Professor Targeted by US Gun Lobby Over Her UN Human Rights Report
18 February 2010
Minnesota Daily (Minneapolis)
The polarizing and powerful emotions surrounding gun ownership hit close to home Friday for University of Minnesota Professor Barbara Frey.
Frey, director of the University's Human Rights Program through the Institute for Global Studies, was a special rapporteur on small arms for the United Nations from 2002 to 2006 and advocated for tighter gun regulation.
Last Friday, Frey started to receive "hate mail" from people, she said. At first she didn't understand why this... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Minnesota Daily (Minneapolis)
32176
India
Indian Campaigners Call for Global Gun Trade Treaty, Fewer Firearms
15 February 2010
Hindustan Times (Delhi)
NEW DELHI - Twenty-one organisations from across the country have come together to appeal to the Government to go for welfare instead of warfare.
In a parallel event to the Defence Expo-2010 starting this Monday, these organisations, representing civil society, are gathering for "Delhi disarmament events and conference for an arms trade treaty," which will focus on the consequences of arms trade and the way military spending is prioritised over the well-being of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Hindustan Times (Delhi)
32174
United Nations
Oxfam Chief Calls for Global Gun Trade Treaty to Protect Human Rights
10 December 2009
Reuters AlertNet, Opinion
Mary Robinson, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and President of Ireland, is Honorary President of Oxfam International and heads the Ethical Globalisation Initiative. On the 55th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, she calls for the creation of a new treaty to control the global trade in small arms.
On this 55th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, threats of new terrorist attacks and the dangers of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Reuters AlertNet
31647
United Nations,United States
In 'Significant Shift' at UN, US Votes to Support Global Gun Trade Treaty
10 December 2009
Arms Control Today (USA)
The Obama administration's voting record this year at the First Committee of the UN General Assembly marked a departure from the Bush administration in several key ballots. In other votes, however, the new administration's vote was the same as its predecessor's.
The First Committee is responsible for drafting resolutions on arms control and international security issues.
One of the shifts was on a resolution on disarmament submitted annually by Japan. The United... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Arms Control Today (USA)
31632
United States,United Nations
Fear, Fundraising Drive US Misinformation Attack on UN Gun Trade Treaty
5 December 2009
FactCheck.org (USA), Fact sheet
International Gun Ban Treaty?
Q: Has Obama found a "legal way around the Second Amendment"?
A: The administration's agreement to talk about writing a United Nations treaty to regulate arms exports and imports is a far cry from banning possession of firearms, which Obama says he doesn't want to do and the Supreme Court has said can't be done anyway.
FULL QUESTION
Is this correct?
Obama Finds Legal Way Around The 2nd. Amendment and Uses It. The Full Article Here... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: FactCheck.org (USA)
31633
United States,United Nations
Colorado Ballot Would Warn Obama, Oppose Global Gun Trade Treaty
4 December 2009
Washington Times
DENVER -- Former Rep. Tom Tancredo, best known for his tough stand in Congress against illegal immigration, has taken up a new cause since his retirement from the House last year: defending American gun owners against international treaties.
The Obama administration is moving forward on two treaties that Mr. Tancredo and other gun rights advocates see as a threat to the Second Amendment's right to bear arms. His response is a 2010 ballot initiative that would direct... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Washington Times
31587
United States,United Nations
Colorado Lawmaker Promotes Ballot to Oppose Global Gun Trade Treaty
1 December 2009
Denver Post (Colorado)
Former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo has proposed a 2010 ballot measure that would recommend to Colorado's top elected officials that they oppose gun restrictions.
The Jefferson County Republican said he was prompted to act because the Obama administration has announced its intent to participate in negotiations on an international arms-trade treaty.
The treaty would regulate international trade — not domestic sales — but Tancredo argued Friday that gun owners had a right... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Denver Post (Colorado)
31542
United Nations
British, French Foreign Ministers Write: 'Time for an Arms Trade Treaty'
11 November 2009
Guardian (UK) / Comment is Free, Blog
One of the great tragedies of our times is the uncontrolled spread of weapons, often from illegal markets, sometimes in violation of international embargoes. Up to a thousand people a day — mostly women and children — are killed by such arms, most of them in the world's poorest countries. These weapons fuel conflict, break down societies and prevent families climbing out of poverty. There is an urgent moral imperative to grip a global problem that is spinning out of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (UK) / Comment is Free
31461
United Nations
US Consensus Redline Rules the Global Gun Trade Treaty. Or Does It?
11 November 2009
Disarmament Insight (Geneva), Blog
The recent adoption of a United Nations resolution to produce legally binding international standards for the transfer of conventional arms is a real boost to the cause of international peace and security. Overwhelming support in the First Committee of the UN General Assembly for the negotiation of these new rules has set the scene for a series of preparatory meetings leading to the convening in 2012 of the United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty.
This is an... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Disarmament Insight (Geneva)
31460
Gambia,West Africa,United Nations
West Africa, 153 UN Member States Promote Global Gun Trade Treaty
9 November 2009
Daily Observer (Banjul)
Every year, millions around the world suffer as a result of the non-regulation of the global arms trade.
This year, on 30th October, 2009 at the United Nations, after years of discussions and debates, the vast majority of governments — 153 in total — agreed on a timetable to establish a"strong and robust Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) with the highest common standards to control international transfers of conventional arms, a press release from WANEP-Gambia stated. There... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Observer (Banjul)
31452
Ghana
Gun Registries to Be Installed Nationwide by Ghana Police
4 November 2009
Daily Graphic (Ghana)
The Ghana Police Service has been directed to instal arms registries across the country as part of measures by the government to properly control weapons.
Additionally, the government is also taking steps to ensure a good stockpile management, as well as branding and tracing of official weapons, to deal with the impunity with which small arms are being used for violent crimes and conflicts in the country.
The President, John Evans Atta Mills, who made this known,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Graphic (Ghana)
31391
Ghana,West Africa
Ghana to Ratify West African Regional Convention on Gun Control
3 November 2009
Ghana News Agency
ACCRA — President John Evans Atta Mills on Tuesday said government would soon put before Parliament the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms for ratification.
To this end, government has scheduled the Convention as one of the key issues on the agenda for discussion at the next Cabinet meeting.
President Mills gave the assurance in a speech read for him by Mr Cletus Avorka, Minister of the Interior, at the inauguration of the Ghana Chapter of the West Africa Action... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Ghana News Agency
31376
United Nations
Praise for US, Jubilation, Caution as UN Agrees Global Gun Trade Treaty
1 November 2009
Asian Tribune / Inter Press Service News Agency
UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations, which is pursuing a proposal for "a world without nuclear weapons", will soon turn its attention to another new goal in the field of disarmament: creating a legally-binding treaty on conventional arms.
The proposed new treaty, which is expected to be ready for a U.N. Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty in 2012, will regulate the global trade in conventional arms, including fighter planes, combat helicopters, unmanned aerial... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Asian Tribune / Inter Press Service News Agency
31386
Germany,United Nations,Russia,China
Germany Backs Global Arms Trade Treaty, China and Russia Abstain
31 October 2009
Deutsche Welle
Germany, along with other key United Nations members, has backed talks on a global treaty to regulate the global trade of weapons. Two major arms suppliers, Russia and China, refused to support the measure.
The United Nations resolution calls for talks aimed at agreeing a treaty to police the world's $55-billion (37-billion-euro) arms trade.
The UN General Assembly's first committee on disarmament and peace passed the resolution calling for a treaty by 153 votes to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Deutsche Welle
31432
United Nations,United States
Key UN Committee, US Diplomats Back Global Gun Trade Treaty
31 October 2009
Associated Press
A key General Assembly committee voted Friday to allow the U.N. to start negotiations on a new treaty regulating the global arms trade to help prevent the illegal transfer of guns that kill and maim thousands every day.
John Duncan, Britain's ambassador for multilateral arms control and disarmament, hailed the 153-1 vote with 19 abstentions in the General Assembly's disarmament committee, saying the international community is now a major step closer to achieving a... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
31431
United Nations,United States
Clinton Backs UN Global Gun Trade Treaty, Abandons Bush Opposition
30 October 2009
Bloomberg (USA)
The Obama administration voted today to support United Nations-sponsored talks on a treaty to regulate the $55 billion-a-year trade in conventional weapons, reversing prior U.S. opposition to negotiations begun in 2006.
The General Assembly, consisting of all 192 UN member governments, adopted a resolution setting out a timetable for talks during the next two years on the proposed Arms Trade Treaty, including a UN conference to produce a final accord in 2012. The vote... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Bloomberg (USA)
31369
United Nations,United States,Russia
US On Board, Russia Abstains in UN Global Gun Trade Treaty Talks
30 October 2009
Reuters
UNITED NATIONS — The world's top weapons exporters agreed to back negotiations on a global treaty to regulate the world's $55 billion arms trade, but Russia refused to show support, diplomats said on Thursday.
The deal came after negotiators from four of the top arms traders — the United States, Britain, France and Germany overcame sharp disagreements on the wording of a U.N. General Assembly resolution that will guide negotiations on a treaty, which were to begin... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Reuters
31336
United Nations,United States
Obama, Clinton Stir 'Perfect Storm' at UN for Anti-US Gun Control Agenda
26 October 2009
Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Georgia), Blog
The folks at United Nations headquarters in New York City, and our "allies" at Number 10 Downing Street in London, must be rubbing their hands with glee. Gun control groups here and abroad likewise are at last quietly cheering. Why? After a decade and a half of pushing unsuccessfully to secure America's support for a legally-binding, international instrument to regulate the marketing, transfer and brokering in firearms, they are now on the brink of success. The process... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Georgia)
31329
United Nations
Global Gun Trade Treaty Could Be Powerful Tool to Protect Children
25 October 2009
Inter Press Service News Agency
UNITED NATIONS — The impact of global weapons trafficking on children and their recruitment as fighters should be on the agenda of talks for an international Arms Trade Treaty, say United Nations experts and non-governmental organisations.
Formal negotiations on the treaty have not gotten off the ground since the vast majority of U.N. member states approved a proposal to target illicit small arms trafficking three years ago. But a group of seven countries, led by... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Inter Press Service News Agency
31318
Costa Rica,United Nations,United States
Costa Rica's Arias Celebrates US Support for Global Gun Trade Treaty
20 October 2009
Daily News (Costa Rica)
President Oscar Arias is viewing the United States' interest in an Arms Trade Treaty as one more trophy to put on his wall.
The disarmament advocate celebrated a statement made by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, which announced the commitment of her country to the establishment of international standards for arms trading.
Arias said the U.S. interest "is encouraging" because it represents "a radical" change from previously held positions. But it is also... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily News (Costa Rica)
31292
Kenya,United Nations
Kenya Leads UN Global Gun Trade Treaty Against 'Merchants of Doom'
19 October 2009
East African (Nairobi)
Kenya is pressing within the United Nations for the start of talks on a binding global treaty to restrict the illegal transfer of small arms that take scores of lives in eastern and central Africa every day.
The UN's disarmament committee will decide this month whether to endorse formal negotiations on such a treaty.
Continuing in the leadership role it has played on this issue for several years, Kenya has joined Britain, Japan and four other nations in sponsoring a... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: East African (Nairobi)
31268
United Nations,Africa,United States
US U-turn on Global Gun Trade Treaty 'Great News for Africa' - IANSA
16 October 2009
Xinhua
Africa campaigners against gun violence hail the U. S. decision to join the negotiations for a comprehensive Arms Trade Treaty.
In a joint statement issued in Nairobi, Kenya, the campaigners also urged governments to control deadly trade in weapons.
"The U. S. decision to support strong global controls on the arms trade is great news for Africa," said Joseph Dube, Africa coordinator for IANSA, the global movement against gun violence.
The campaigners said U. S.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Xinhua
31340
United Nations,United States
Clinton Backs Global Gun Trade Treaty Only If Any One Nation Can Veto It
15 October 2009
Washington Post
UNITED NATIONS — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced late Wednesday that the United States is prepared to begin negotiations on a global treaty regulating trade in conventional weapons but said Washington would sign the accord only if all other states agreed.
The move marks a shift in policy from the Bush administration, which staunchly opposed U.N. negotiations to regulate the $55 billion-a-year arms trade. The Obama administration hopes it can use... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Washington Post
31258
United Nations,United States
Statement of US Support for UN Global Gun Trade Treaty by Hillary Clinton
14 October 2009
US Department of State (Washington, DC), Media release
Conventional arms transfers are a crucial national security concern for the United States, and we have always supported effective action to control the international transfer of arms.
The United States is prepared to work hard for a strong international standard in this area by seizing the opportunity presented by the Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty at the United Nations. As long as that Conference operates under the rule of consensus decision-making needed to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: US Department of State (Washington, DC)
31261
United Nations,United States
US Reverses Stance on Global Gun Trade Treaty, But Pushes Veto for All
14 October 2009
Reuters
WASHINGTON — The United States reversed policy on Wednesday and said it would back launching talks on a treaty to regulate arms sales as long as the talks operated by consensus, a stance critics said gave every nation a veto.
The decision, announced in a statement released by the U.S. State Department, overturns the position of former President George W. Bush's administration, which had opposed such a treaty on the grounds that national controls were better.
U.S.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Reuters
31254
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