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We come from different nations with varied histories,
and in the past, the world has honored each of our struggles
for peace and justice with the Nobel Prize for Peace.
Today, we speak as one to voice our common concern regarding
the destructive effects of the unregulated arms trade.
Together, we have written an International Code of Conduct
on Arms Transfers, which, once adopted by all arms-selling
nations, will benefit all humanity, nationalities, ethnicities,
and religions.
This International Code of Conduct would govern all
arms transfers, including conventional weapons and munitions,
military and security training, and sensitive military
and dual-use technologies. The Code stipulates that
any country wishing to purchase arms must meet certain
criteria, including the promotion of democracy, the
protection of human rights, and transparency in military
spending. It would also prohibit arms sales to nations
that support terrorism and to states that are engaged
in aggression against other nations or peoples.
The international community can no longer ignore the
repercussions of irresponsible arms transfers. Indiscriminate
weapons sales foster political instability and human
rights violations, prolong violent conflicts, and weaken
diplomatic efforts to resolve differences peacefully.
Arms transfers often take place under a cloud of secrecy,
and generally respond to the desires of a few while
ignoring the needs and rights of the many. Sadly, many
governments continue to divert scarce resources toward
arms purchases while their people live in abject poverty.
Millions of civilians have been killed in conflict
this century, and many more have lost their loved ones,
their homes, their spirit. In a world where 1.3 billion
people earn less than 1 dollar a day, the sale of weapons
simply perpetuates poverty. Our children urgently need
schools and health centers, not machine guns and fighter
planes. Our children also need to be protected from
violence. The dictators of this world, not the poor,
clamor for arms.
Once in effect, this International
Code of Conduct on Arms Transfers would prevent undemocratic
governments from building sophisticated arsenals. Governments
which systematically abuse internationally recognized
human rights through practices such as torture or arbitrary
executions would not receive military training. Countries
who commit genocide would not be able to buy munitions.
Governments engaged in armed aggression against other
countries or peoples could not buy missiles. States
that support terrorism would be prevented from acquiring
weapons. In addition, all nations would be required
to report their arms purchases to the United Nations.
This Code of Conduct would undeniably promote global
peace
and security, and protect human rights.
We call on all nations to endorse this International
Code of Conduct on Arms Transfers. The citizens of the
world must demand that leaders support this Code as
well as similar efforts on the national and regional
level. Only through solidarity, compassion, and courageous
leadership can we make violence and its vestiges a distant
memory of the past.
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