What you can do as an individual

Write your government representatives! Here is a sample letter for your convenience:

The Arms Trade Treaty initiative was originally launched by Dr. Oscar Arias and seven other Nobel Peace Laureates in 1997. Today, this initiative has gained the support of governments, civil society, and Peace Laureates worldwide. Please join our efforts.

I urge the government of __________________ to support the ATT principles, their development, promotion, and inclusion in the 2006 UN Program of Action, based on the following:

• States should adopt and apply a requirement that all arms transfers be authorised by the issuing of licences;

• States should not authorize arms transfers that violate existing obligations under international law in relation to the transfer of specific weapons or the transfer to specific end users;

• States should not authorize arms transfers in circumstances in which they have, or ought reasonably to have, knowledge that transfers are likely to violate the UN Charter; commit serious violations of human rights or international humanitarian law; commit genocide or crimes against humanity; or be diverted for these uses;

• States should take into account the impact of arms transfers on regional security and sustainable development;

• States should report on international arms transfers to an established inter- national authority.