Another chance for the Arms Trade Treaty

After negotiations stalled last year, thanks in part to the US bowing to the gun lobby’s misinformation campaign, countries are gathered again this week to hopefully finalize the treaty.

This treaty is critical in protecting millions of people who are killed, injured, raped, or displaced as a result of armed violence. In this video from Amnesty International, former child soldier Emmanuel Jal explains why the ATT is so important.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyoKcZ-jyis&feature=youtu.be]

While the NRA and its allies have convinced many members of Congress to oppose the treaty on specious grounds, there are fortunately some members who are willing to go to bat for the treaty.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) are spearheading letters to Obama and his administration as the United Nations panel crafting the trade treaty prepares to meet from March 18-28, The Hill has learned.

“We write to urge you to support a strong, effective Arms Trade Treaty at the Final UN ATT Conference,” Grijalva wrote in a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and U.N. ambassador Susan Rice that will be sent later this week.

“The poorly regulated global trade in arms and ammunition continues to threaten the security and rights of millions of people around the world, exposing them to death, rape, assault and displacement. We encourage you to finalize a strong and effective Arms Trade Treaty to prevent the sale or transfer of conventional weapons used to perpetuate conflict, armed violence and human rights abuses worldwide.”

We will be monitoring the negotiations and continue pushing members of Congress to support the treaty.