Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 May 2004
134 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the adoption of an international arms trade treaty by 2006 to prevent the export of arms to locations in which they contribute to violations of international human rights and humanitarian law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15745/04]
View answer135 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will argue within the EU for the adoption of an international arms trade treaty by 2006 to prevent the export of arms to locations in which they contribute to violations of international human rights and humanitarian law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15746/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 135 together.
Currently, all exports of arms from EU countries must conform to the EU code of conduct on arms exports, which establishes criteria to control such exports. Ireland was actively involved in the establishment of this politically binding code, which was adopted by the EU General Affairs Council in June 1998. The code lists the factors to be taken into account when deciding whether to allow an export of military goods, including respect for human rights, the internal situation in the country of final destination and the preservation of regional peace, security and stability. Discussions are ongoing in the Union on the possible reinforcement of the status of the code of conduct, for example, by its transformation into an EU common position, which would be legally binding. Ireland is supportive of such a reinforcement of the code.
I am aware of a process led by a number of non-governmental organisations, NGOs, including Amnesty International and Oxfam, aimed at the development of an international arms trade treaty which is intended to be a legally binding agreement with core principles and mechanisms relating to international transfers of arms. A welcome aspect of the proposed treaty is that it has the objective of setting out states' existing international legal obligations in the area of international transfers of arms. In addition, once ratified, the draft framework treaty would enable the international community to move forward incrementally, by means of subsequent more specific instruments. While work on the drafting of the text is still ongoing, it is a promising initiative and I commend the NGOs concerned for their efforts.
An official of my Department participated in a conference held last November at Cambridge University in England, the purpose of which was to examine the text of the draft treaty. I understand that the text of the proposed treaty is currently being re-examined from a legal perspective by those NGOs involved in the arms control campaign which met last February in Costa Rica and that, as a consequence of those discussions, revisions to the text are to be made.
The proposed international arms trade treaty is also under discussion within the EU at working group level and this discussion will continue through Ireland's Presidency of the EU. An official from my Department also will attend an international workshop entitled "Enhancing the International Export Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons — the Case for an International Arms Trade Treaty", which is scheduled to take place in Helsinki on 3 and 4 June.
A United Nations conference to review progress made in the implementation of the UN programme of action to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects is scheduled to be held in New York in 2006. The remit of the proposed international arms trade treaty is, however, not confined to small arms and light weapons but also currently includes heavy weapons. Pending finalisation of the text of the proposed draft treaty and clarification of its focus, it would be premature to consider what actions would be appropriate in 2006. Ireland will, however, continue to be associated with the process and will closely monitor developments.
