And then there were two...

And update from the Control Arms website brings news of an important victory in the fight for an international Arms Trade Treaty.  This treaty aims to ensure tougher arms controls - the UN treaty aims "to control the unregulated international arms trade, which fuels conflict, poverty and serious human rights abuses around the world".

On Friday 31st October, the UN voted overwhelmingly to move forward with work on the Arms Trade Treaty.

Only two countries voted against it - the US and Zimbabwe.  It's amazing to think that America and Zimbabwe should choose to become isolated together on this issue.  Let's hope that the new President of the USA and the infant, and fragile, power-sharing government in Zimbabwe together take the opportunity for their new governments to do something right for themselves and the rest of the world, and reconsider their votes.

Control the International Arms Trade

There's a new website, formed from a coalition of Amnesty International, iansa & Oxfam, aimed at controlling the international arms trade. Here is their first email:

Every year, millions of people suffer as a result of the irresponsible arms trade.
Two years ago, 153 governments voted at the United Nations to start work on developing an international Arms Trade Treaty. We want as many people as possible to take action to control the arms trade.

Play "Catch the Bomb" and spread the word

Throughout 2008, a group of experts from 28 countries has been meeting to discuss the content of the treaty. Now is the time to turn words into action and deliver an Arms Trade Treaty strong enough to save lives and stop irresponsible arms deals.
A small minority of governments opposes international controls on the arms trade and is determined to block, derail and delay any further progress on the treaty. They must not be allowed to succeed.

Tell your government that the world is watching, it’s time for an Arms Trade Treaty