Holy See reiterates support for Arms Trade Treaty

(July 27, 2012) The Holy See on Friday expressed it support for an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) saying it can make an important difference for millions of people confronted with insecurity, deprivation and fear linked to the unregulated and irresponsible transfer of arms and ammunition, and their illicit acquisition by criminal and unauthorized non-state actors. Indian Archbishop Francis Chullikatt, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York, made the point at the UN Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty, July 2 – 27. The prelate, who headed a Holy See delegation to the conference said “the treaty would help also in the promotion of a world more respectful of human life and human dignity.” The UN treaty is trying to regulate global arms trade that is now valued at about $60 billion. Archbishop Chullikatt said that the ATT debate once more laid bare the pernicious impact of the illicit arms trade on development, peace, humanitarian law and human rights. “Arms,” he stressed, “cannot simply be compared with other goods exchanged in global or domestic markets.” “They need a specialised regulation, one capable of preventing, combating and eradicating the irresponsible and illicit trade of conventional arms and related items.” Among several conditions for a strong, effective and credible Arms Trade Treaty, Archbishop Chullikatt said the treaty’s basic principles must recognize respect for human dignity and human life, peace and security, development and fundamental human rights, which, he said, are essential for collective security. The archbishop also called for assistance for the care, rehabilitation and social and economic reintegration of the victims of armed conflict.