The ATT Steering Committee Strategy

ATT SC 14 April 2005 Nairobi

Summary of Revised Strategy to promote the ATT.

1. Upgrade and agree our ATT documents as soon as possible so that the SC can support the (a) the UK "all arms" ATT policy position with its inclusion of robust provisions on brokering, licensed production, transshipment and government to government transfers, especially if it receives support from the G8 and other states; and (b) efforts to include a set of "global principles" in the UN and other regional agreements on the control small arms and light weapons, as stepping stone to an ATT.

2. Continue supporting the Helsinki position to lobby vigorously for "global principles" to control international transfers consistent with relevant principles of international law in all SALW fora, including for a UN agreement in the UNPOA process at the 2006 Rev Com (e.g. to be incorporated in export controls provisions as part of a follow-on "UN SALW action plan for 2006-2011".

3. Campaign globally for a ATT on all arms with robust provisions as in the UK initiative during the 2005-2010 period especially if its gets G8 endorsement - we should develop specific ATT projects on the G8, Wassenaar Arrangement, OSCE, Security Council and other forums not restricted by the UNPOA.

4. Lobby and campaign for strengthening or establishing regional arms export, import and transit controls with "global principles" and robust provisions as a stepping stone to the Arms Trade Treaty.

5. Revise and develop new approaches to the political leaders in states likely to block progress - prioritise the world's largest non-EU arms exporters - the USA, Russia - and if possible to China - as well as other significant and sympathetic governments.

6. Revise our strategic organisational commitments so that (a) the ATT SC is strengthened organisationally and has more NGO members (b) the Control Arms Campaign has agreed plans to continue at least up to 2010, and has an active agreed alliance strategy (c) IANSA is strengthened.

7. Strengthen techniques for lobbying of parliaments and legislatures on all arms issues including through international networks of MPs.

8. Present to governments and other audiences, e.g. the business sector and labour, social and other movements, the material, commercial and security benefits of an ATT on all arms - as done successfully by the environmental movement. This advocacy strategy and plan for promoting the ATT must be seen alongside complementary popular campaign strategy: - 'Scandal' case study research, celebrity visits and features in the media, global and regional campaign phases.

9. Increase regional and cross-regional civil society training events and materials on the ATT for civil society, governments and international organisations. Ensure these training events and materials lead to more sustained practical action.

Membership application process criteria and form (pdf, 64Kb)