UNA-UK participated at British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union's International Parliamentary Seminar on the Arms Trade Treaty. The event saw more than 60 parliamentarians and arms control experts from across the globe gather in London between 3 and 5 November to discuss and highlight the ways in which parliamentarians can support the Treaty's universalisation and implementation.
UNA-UK Chairman Sir Jeremy Greenstock led the final session at the seminar where delegates worked on and endorsed the outcome document: "Parliamentary Perspectives on the Arms Trade Treaty ahead of the First Conference of States Parties". Also on the panel was Alistair Burt MP, Chair of BGIPU, and Ambassador Alejandro Estivill, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Mexico. The Ambassador assured delegates that the outcome document would be conveyed to the Mexican Government and would be used to inform the First Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty when it meets in 2015.
During his opening remarks, Sir Jeremy highlighted the importance of parliamentary oversight of arms export control regimes and the role of civil society in the process. Ackowledging that such scrutiny is often only possible with the coorporation of national governments, Sir Jeremy remarked that transparency will be a key factor in the robust implementation of the ATT.
Featuring case studies from the UK and Sweden, the seminar included a panel discussion chaired by UN APPG Chair, Lord Hannay, examining the differering parliamentary approaches to arms control.
The UK ratified the Arms Trade Treaty earlier this year. The Treaty will enter into force on 24 December 2014.
