Georgetown: The Opposition voted with Government Thursday in the National Assembly passed a motion that allows for the ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty that was adopted on April 2, 2013 by the United Nations General Assembly to regulate the international trade of conventional arms.
The motion tabled by Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett received full Opposition support, including A Partnership for Unity (APNU) Members of Parliament (MP) Africo Selman and Winston Felix and Alliance for Change’s (AFC’s) Moses Nagamootoo who spoke in support of the treaty which seeks to establish the highest possible common international standards for regulating or improving the regulation of international trade in conventional arms, and to prevent and eradicate illicit trade and its diversion.
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett pointed out that the treaty fills a critical gap in international law as it relates to the transfer of conventional arms. She explained that once effectively implemented, the treaty has the potential to make real and positive difference for millions of people around the world, especially those who live in conflict areas that are vulnerable to illicit trade in conventional arms.
She said that it is a fact that the vast majority adversely affected by arms conflict and other forms of violence are civilians. The Minister said that the treaty recognises this in addition to security, social and humanitarian consequences of illicit and unregulated unconventional arms and also the challenges that victims face, and the needs for care, physical rehabilitation and social and economic inclusion.
During her presentation, the Foreign Affairs Minister also pointed to the fact that the treaty includes a category that deals with the excessive accumulation and uncontrolled flow of illicit small arms and light weapons; an issue that poses significant threat to peace security and social and economic development especially to developing countries, and to which Guyana and its partners have been working towards eradicating.
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said that it is envisioned that this treaty will contribute significantly to international and regional peace, security and stability and the reduction of human suffering by effectively regulating the international trade in conventional arms, making it more responsible and transparent and ensuring accountability.
Though the motion was supported by all the Opposition speakers, each called for ensuring the enabling environment and legislation for the treaty to be implemented and become operable in Guyana.
The treaty came after seven years of diplomatic talks at the multilateral level and Guyana is among 10 Caricom states that signed the treaty.
Selman said that whilst it was commendable that Guyana signed the treaty, its impact will be determined by how it is implemented. She questioned whether Government would put in place the legal bodies to make the agreement effective.
Felix echoed similar sentiments saying whilst APNU supports the motion and the treaty, it bemoans Government’s attitude in making a step forward and not following through with the right action. He said that it is the party’s hope that the bill will receive the full support of Government and that they bring the legislation to the Parliament to give effect to the treaty which is what is required to make it operable.
Nagamootoo urged that the country’s commitment to international law not simply be nominal or an act for a photo opportunity, but that the country seeks to live the act to which it committed.
But Minister Rodrigues-Birkett in response pointed to the fact that government has sought to put in place legislation that would have been applicable to the act, but it was voted down by the Opposition.
According to the Minister, the treaty includes the ammunition, parts and components and the diversion of illegal arms. She said that it is unfortunate therefore that the piece of legislation that came before the House to ensure that domestically Guyana has the piece of legislation in place did not receive the support of the Opposition.
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett urged that the opposition corrects that situation.
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