Obama urged to reject arms trade loophole for human rights abusers
Amnesty International has called on US President Obama to reject proposals for a loophole in proposed new arms trade regulations that would allow weapons to be supplied to states known to abuse human rights.
Governments were in talks at the United Nations in New York to agree on a potentially historic Arms Trade Treaty that could help tighten controls on the sale of armaments worldwide.
President Obama’s officials had indicated they want the treaty to include a loophole that would allow national security considerations to overrule any serious human rights concerns when deciding to supply arms.
Colm O’Gorman, executive director of Amnesty Inter-national Ireland, said: “It is time for President Obama to step up and show that the US administration is serious about protecting human rights.
“This loophole would send a signal that countries can carry on with business as usual. The continuing loss of civilian life in Syria is a stark reminder of why we need a strong Arms Trade Treaty that protects human rights. Millions of lives depend on it.”
Amnesty International is urging governments to ensure that a ‘golden rule’ on human rights is included in the treaty. This would prevent arms shipments if there is a substantial risk that the arms would be used to commit human rights violations.
Many governments, including Ireland, and most US allies support this position. However, some influential states including the US, China and Russia have been promoting weaker rules.
O’Gorman added: “The US is the world’s biggest arms exporter. President Obama has a special duty to help these negotiations to a successful conclusion and this is his opportunity to ensure that happens.”
