Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2004
23 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government is in favour of the adoption of an international arms trade treaty at the UN Arms Conference in 2006, in view of the fact that such a treaty would prevent the export of arms where they might contribute to violations of human rights and humanitarian law. [9894/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra33 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will endorse the Control Arms joint campaign of Oxfam and Amnesty International; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9984/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 33 together.
I understand that the primary objective of the Control Arms campaign launched by Amnesty International, Oxfam and International Action Network on Small Arms, IANSA, is to take action to prevent the proliferation and misuse of arms, through the adoption of minimum standards for the control of arms transfers.
I support the principle of having legally binding international agreements on the control of arms exports, with as wide a participation as possible. This is particularly important with respect to small arms and light weapons. Ireland is committed to working with others to ensure that the illicit trafficking of such weapons is dealt with effectively by the international community.
While work on the drafting of the text of the proposed international arms trade treaty 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 proposed treaty. I understand that the text is currently being re-examined from a legal perspective by those NGOs involved in the arms control campaign who met last month in Costa Rica and that as a consequence of those discussions revisions to the text may be made.
I also understand that the UN Arms Conference in 2006 will review progress made under the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, which was agreed in 2001. The remit of the proposed international arms trade treaty is 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.
The proposed treaty is currently under discussion within the EU. Discussions have taken place at working group level, most recently earlier this month, and will continue during Ireland's Presidency of the EU.
