July 26, 2012. (Romereports.com) When it comes to massive violence, the one common denominator is the use of weapons. So now, the
United Nations is trying to change that by enforcing stricter rules that limit the international transfer and sale of
weapons.
ANNA MACDONALD
Head of Arms Control, Oxfam
“Up to two thousand people a day die from armed violence around the world, and that is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the problems that the poorly regulated global trade in arms brings.”
Supporters say, if approved, the treaty has the potential of changing the way the world deals with armed conflicts-and in doing so, saving millions of lives in the process. But basically, it's the world's superpowers that will have the last word.
BRIAN WOOD
Head of Arms Control, Amnesty International
“The decision is in the White House with President Obama as to whether he will agree a ‘golden rule’ in the treaty that will mandate governments to stop the transfer of arms if it’s known or there’s a substantial risk the arms are going to be used for war crimes or crimes against humanity, acts of genocide, or serious violations of human rights.”
For now, the world's superpowers must agree on a treaty. But that's easier said that done. According to Brian Wood from Amnesty International, the United States is the largest weapons trading country in the world, followed by Russia, France, the UK, and Germany.
There's also resistance from some Middle Eastern countries in approving the treaty. The deadline to actually come to an agreement is Friday July 27th.
KLH
UN
JM
-PR
