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K.B.X-27.05.08.21.15.EU
Norway and Denmark join Global Week of
Action Against Gun Violence
2 – 8 June 2008
Norway, 27 May 2008
Gun violence kills more than 350,000 people a year, and severely
injures more than a million. Yet the global trade that fuels the
epidemic of armed violence is not subject to international
regulation.
Next week civil society in Norway and Denmark will join 70
countries around the world to mark the Global Week of Action
Against Gun Violence. Defend International is calling on our
national leaders to push for a strong and effective Arms Trade
Treaty (ATT) through the United Nations.
The focus this year is on Members of Parliament, the elected
representatives of the people, who are in a powerful position to
influence public policy. NGOs are inviting parliamentarians and
media representatives to participate in the event which is
hosted by Youth for Human Rights Denmark:
Where: Vesterbrogade 22, St. Th, 1620 Copenhagen W, Denmark
When: 5 June 2008, on Danes Constitution day, @ 11 - 14
Link: http://www.defendinternational.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=200&Itemid=73
Widad Akrawi, President of Defend International, said “The gun
violence epidemic cannot be treated by any one country acting
alone: a global preventative measure is needed. Norway and
Denmark has a real opportunity to influence global human
security and stem the tide of blood.”
A tough ATT would prevent arms being transferred to states in a
humanitarian crisis. It would prevent arms transfers to states
where they could be used for gross violations of international
human rights law. A robust ATT would also consider how any arms
transfer would affect sustainable development.
Rebecca Peters, Director of IANSA, said: “It is time for
governments to move away from the old narrow idea of state
security, and towards a broader vision of human security.
Weapons acquired for national security can be diverted or
misused to increase suffering and poverty within their own
country or region. Norway’s and Denmark’s support is urgently
needed for the development of an ATT.”
For further information, please contact: DI Media Committee,
media@defendinternational.org
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