Code of Conduct on Arms Exports
- Issue 11 International Criminal Court
- 1 Échange Humanitaire No.11 : Bulletin d’information
- 2 The ICRC and the International Criminal Court
- 3 The International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia: lessons learned
- 4 The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda: justice and reconciliation
- 5 A Permanent International Tribunal: African perspectives
- 6 Financing the ICC: what can be learned from the ad hoc tribunals?
- 7 Aid Policy and Post-Modern Conflict: A Critical Review
- 8 The InterAgency Strategic Framework Mission to Afghanistan
- 9 Towards a stronger and more focused Norwegian human rights policy?
- 10 People in Aid
- 11 CHAD replaces EMAD DFID announces new 'Conflict and Humanitarian Affairs Department'
- 12 Code of Conduct on Arms Exports
- 13 Stoking fires with arms in Burundi
- 14 Democratic Republic of Congo (May 1998)
- 15 Western Sahara (May 1998)
- 16 Afghanistan (May 1998)
- 17 Sierra Leone (May 1998)
On May 20th, Amnesty International, Oxfam, Saferworld, BASIC, Christian Aid, the World Development Movement and hundreds of partner organisations across Europe, held a Day of Action to urge EU governments to agree on a tough, effective Code of Conduct on arms exports. The action came on the eve of further talks by EU ministers on the content of a proposed Code. NGOs believe the initiative is vital, but are concerned that the current proposal falls short of its stated objective of setting high common standards governing arms exports.
EU countries account for 40% of the world arms market and questionable deals have always been justified by the tired argument if we dont sell, someone else will. European weapons are being exported to regions of conflict, repressive regimes and human rights abusers. Many go to developing countries that spend more of their scant resources on defence than on health and education. Effective international controls, therefore, are long overdue.
The Code of Conduct, which will be launched at the end of the UK Presidency of the EU in June, is a positive step towards controlling arms exports but the agreement will need strengthening and reviewing over the coming months if it is to have a real impact.
For information on Saferworld, an independent research group promoting practical steps to help prevent armed conflict, the Code of Conduct, or other arms trade issues, contact:
Megan Ciotti
Media Officer
Saferworld
3rd Floor, 34 Alfred Place
London
WC1E 7DP
UK
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