UNA-UK has received a response from Defence and Security Minister Tobias Ellwood to a joint civil society letter calling for strong UK Government representation at a meeting that would determine the effectiveness of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).
Held on 24-27 August, the First Conference of States Parties (CSP1) presented a major opportunity for the UK to build on the momentum of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) by ensuring it is implemented to a high standard.
In his letter of reply, Mr Ellwood conceded that Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond was unable to attend CSP1, but stressed that the UK’s absence “should not be taken to indicate a lack of commitment to, or support for, the ATT.” The Minister assured that the UK – one of the seven co-authors of the Treaty - remains a firm advocate of curtailing “the irresponsible spread of weaponry” to prevent human suffering. He noted that he had produced a video message of support on behalf of the UK that was played at the Conference.
As a member of the UK Working Group on Arms, UNA-UK welcomes the Minister’s recognition that the role of civil society is “absolutely crucial” in universalising the Treaty. However, we are disappointed that Mr Ellwood failed to shed further light on the UK's position on civil society participation in Treaty processes, and responded negatively to some of our recommendations for greater transparency. He reiterated the UK's position that subsidiary bodies should remain closed by default, despite the fact that it will now be left to each meeting to determine whether it is open or closed.
UNA-UK is also concerned that the UK Government continues to grant £5.2 billion pounds worth of export licences to states identified by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as having poor human rights records.
Click here to read the letter of reply from Tobias Ellwood MP
In a separate letter to the Head of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee Crispin Blunt, UNA-UK joined other NGOs in calling for a reconstitution of the Committees on Arms Export Controls (CAEC).
