Fiji discuss arms trade treaty

Fijian Government officials, members of the disciplined forces and stakeholders from the private sector met in Suva  Wednesday to discuss on the Arms Trade Treaty and Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Ministry of Defence, National Security and Immigration permanent secretary Osea Cawaru while opening workshop said that the purpose of the meeting was to raise awareness on the details of the Arms Trade Treaty and to enable national stakeholders to advice government on Fiji’s status in as ATT is concerned.

“The treaty will also improve national regulations on arms transfers with the view to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation amongst UN member States. It does not affect any existing agreements between two countries in relation to the sale and purchasing of arms,” Cawaru said.

“We are now at a time where weapons are used to settle differences and this is evident in the number of conflict theatres around world, from the Middle East, Africa, South America and the European block and including our very neighbours within the MSG sub region.”

Cawaru added that the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) acts as a barrier for those wanting to acquire weapons through illegal means to violate the international human rights law and other international instruments of which Fiji is a party to.

Cawaru is adamant that we can make a difference in our part of the world, especially in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and the larger Pacific where Fiji plays a pivotal role in the security landscape of the region.

The two-day workshop is being co-hosted by the Ministry of Defence, National Security & Immigration together with the Pacific Small Arms Action Group (PSAAG).

SOURCE: DINFO