Global arms treaty plea from Oxfam

THE sale of parts and components of weapons must be brought under tighter control by a global arms treaty, Oxfam has said.

Countries from around the world will gather in New York next month to discuss an international Arms Trade Treaty to combat human rights abuses and violations of humanitarian law.

Oxfam has produced a report – Piecing It All Together – which warns of a “dangerous loophole” if the regulation of arms components is left out of the terms of the agreement.

The current lack of regulation of the trade in parts and components – worth nearly £6.4 billion between 2008 and 2011 – allows irresponsible users to circumvent arms embargoes and violate international humanitarian and human rights law, the charity said.