20 August 2014

PGA President addresses New Zealand’s ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty

President of Parliamentarians for Global Action and New Zealand MP Ross Robertson today addressed a celebration to mark New Zealand’s imminent ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which is expected within the next few weeks.

Jointly hosted by Mr Robertson and Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee John Hayes, in association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Amnesty International, Oxfam and the New Zealand Red Cross, the celebration was also attended by representatives from government, Ambassadors, Members of Parliament, NGOs and individuals.

Mr Robertson said he very much hoped that New Zealand would be one of the 50 states necessary to trigger the entry into force mechanisms contained in the ATT.

“We have played a highly constructive role in support of the ATT, and it is essential that we remain committed to doing so, for many more states must implement, let alone ratify, the ATT for it to be truly effective.

“Since World War 2 over forty million people have died in wars, but it is difficult to fight a war without weapons. Ongoing events in Syria, Ukraine and Iraq continue to hightlight the real urgency in making the ATT a robust reality at the earliest opportunity,” he said.

Ross Robertson called on the Government, in bringing the legislation to the House, to share it widely among UN member states, and in particular with our neighbour states in the Pacific Islands.

“To learn of New Zealand’s imminent ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty at the end of my parliamentary career is particularly pleasing,” said Ross Robertson.

ENDS

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