Demand a bulletproof arms trade treaty

Every day 1,500 people are killed in armed violence around the world. For every one death, countless more are injured, disabled and traumatised. Many of the weapons used in these killings are illegally traded small arms, yet there are no global rules for the arms trade.

In fact, there are more international regulations concerning the trading of bananas than weapons. Oxfam, as part of the Control Arms coalition, is campaigning for an Arms Trade Treaty to regulate this deadly trade and save lives.

July 2012: Arms Trade Treaty conference

Huge thanks to everyone who took action during the Arms Trade Treaty conference. There were many positives to take from the event, especially the production of a very strong draft treaty which included small arms and ammunition, and made provision for human rights.

Unfortunately, on the last day of the conference the USA declared that it required more time to consider the treaty, effectively blocking it from becoming law.

This was very disappointing, but many of the most supportive states refused to be discouraged and gathered to produce a statement signed by 90 countries - including the UK - in support of the treaty. The draft treaty will also be attached to the conference report, which means it can go forward to the UN General Assembly in October where there will be another chance for success.

Until that moment we won't stop campaigning, and your support is just as crucial as ever to keep the momentum up.

Sign the Control Arms petition