Monday, July 9, 2012
Mexico
Calls for Urgent Adoption of the UN Arms Trade Treaty
Ministry
of Foreign Affairs
- The UN Conference on the Arms Trade
Treaty is taking place at the United Nations Headquarters, in New York, from July 2 to 27, 2012.
- Mexico participated in the general debate that kicked off the UN Diplomatic Conference for
the adoption of an Arms Trade Treaty.
- Mexico called for creating
a regulatory framework that prevents the irresponsible trade of conventional weapons and prevents their diversion to the illicit
market.
Mexico participated in the general debate of the UN
Diplomatic Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), stating categorically that although countries need to access and use
weapons, their trade and use cannot occur without any international legal responsibilities.
Regulating the international arms trade will be effective to the extent that the international community addresses
the problem of the diversion of weapons to the illicit market. For Mexico, it is clear that the purpose of the treaty is to
prevent the diversion and misuse of weapons, while seeking to ensure the protection of individuals.
Mexico stressed that the ATT, which is being negotiated, cannot be a statement of good intentions. It must establish
legal obligations and rights for all of the parties. Lastly, Mexico said it is committed to achieving a comprehensive treaty
and will maintain its readiness to negotiate, constructive spirit and the flexibility needed to achieve the necessary agreements.
Over the past six years, the UN has worked to establish international regulations for arms
sales. General Assembly resolutions laid the groundwork for establishing common international standards for importing, exporting
and transferring conventional arms.
Between 2010 and 2012, the Preparatory
Committee of the Conference held four meetings, in which Mexico participated actively, even serving as vice chair of the preparatory
committee process.
Mexico attaches great importance to the adoption of
a treaty with high standards and a broad scope that specifies the shared responsibilities of manufacturers, retailers and
end users that includes all conventional weapons, their parts, components, ammunition and technology.
In a world that regulates trade in all types of goods, to date there is no regulatory framework for products that
are designed and produced for the sole purpose of causing harm. This is ethically wrong.
Mexico believes it is essential to regulate international trade in conventional arms, which is the biggest business
in the world. The diplomatic conference is being held in the New York headquarters of the UN with the participation of all
of its member States and a large number of non-governmental organizations. During the inaugural part of the conference, Mexico
was elected vice chair. The conference will conclude on July 27th.
For
more information see: http://www.un.org/disarmament/ATT/
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Press Release: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), Mexico, D.F.; translation SRE (edited).
