The Most Important in Brief

Control Arms, a coalition of over 180 NGOs, played a key role in the establishment of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and continues to advocate for its implementation and compliance. Based in Geneva, the organization engages in arms control discussions at ATT meetings, UN bodies, and with diplomatic missions, while also conducting advocacy in national capitals and at the UN General Assembly. Control Arms is uniquely positioned as the sole organization promoting responsible arms trade across multiple platforms and directly with governments.

1. Purpose

   -Reduce the reduce human suffering by stopping weapons transfers that fuel conflict, armed violence and the repression of human rights. -Advance transparency and accountability in the global weapons trade. -Amplify the voices of civil society in the arms control dialogue.

2. The Most Important in Brief

   Control Arms, a coalition of over 180 NGOs, played a key role in the establishment of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and continues to advocate for its implementation and compliance. Based in Geneva, the organization engages in arms control discussions at ATT meetings, UN bodies, and with diplomatic missions, while also conducting advocacy in national capitals and at the UN General Assembly. Control Arms is uniquely positioned as the sole organization promoting responsible arms trade across multiple platforms and directly with governments.

3. Goals

   -Strengthening the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT): Advocating for the effective implementation, compliance, and reinforcement of the rules governing the conventional weapons trade. -Promoting Responsible Weapons Trade: Ensuring that weapons transfers are regulated to prevent misuse, human rights abuses, and violations of international law. -Engaging Globally: Advocating at international fora, including ATT meetings, UN bodies, and national governments, to push for stronger arms control measures. Collaboration and Advocacy: Partnering with civil society organizations, diplomatic missions, and humanitarian actors to build momentum for responsible weapons trade policies. -Raising Awareness: Highlighting the human and social costs of irresponsible weapons transfers to drive change at both policy and implementation levels.

4. Principles

   The principles of Control Arms reflect its commitment to promoting a responsible and ethical weapons trade to protect human rights and global security. These principles include: -Human Rights and International Law: Ensuring that weapons transfers do not contribute to human rights abuses, violations of international humanitarian law, or war crimes. -Transparency and Accountability: Advocating for clear, enforceable rules and robust reporting mechanisms to hold governments and entities accountable for weapons transfers. -Prevention of Conflict and Violence: Working to prevent the proliferation of weapons that fuel conflict, violence, and instability, particularly in vulnerable regions. -Collaboration and Inclusion: Partnering with civil society, governments, and international organizations to build a diverse and unified voice for responsible weapons trade. -Victim-Centered Approach: Prioritizing the protection of individuals and communities affected by irresponsible arms transfers, ensuring their safety and dignity. -Global Equity and Security: Promoting a fair and regulated weapons trade that contributes to global peace and security rather than exacerbating inequalities or conflicts. These principles guide Control Arms' advocacy and actions as it seeks to establish a more ethical and regulated weapons trade system.

5. Measures

   Control Arms employs a range of measures to achieve its goals of promoting responsible arms trade and ensuring compliance with the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). These measures include: *Advocacy and Lobbying: -Engaging with governments, diplomatic missions, and policymakers to strengthen ATT implementation and compliance. -Promoting the adoption of stricter arms control policies at the national, regional, and international levels. *Participation in International Fora: -Actively contributing to ATT meetings, UN conferences, and arms control discussions to influence policy decisions. -Advocating within bodies such as the Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly to integrate arms control with broader global security and human rights goals. *Capacity Building and Support: -Assisting states and organizations in understanding and implementing ATT obligations. -Providing technical expertise and resources to improve national arms transfer control systems. *Research and Reporting: -Publishing reports, analyses, and policy briefs to highlight gaps, challenges, and successes in arms control practices. -Tracking and exposing irresponsible arms transfers that contravene ATT principles. *Coalition Building: -Partnering with over 180 NGOs worldwide to amplify a unified call for responsible weapons trade. -Collaborating with civil society, humanitarian actors, and advocacy groups to create a broad-based movement. *Awareness and Public Engagement: -Raising awareness about the human cost of irresponsible weapons transfers through campaigns, public events, and media outreach. -Mobilizing public opinion to pressure governments for stronger arms trade regulations. *Direct Engagement: -Interacting with the ATT Secretariat, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders to promote compliance and accountability. -Advocating for transparency in weapons trade practices and pushing for effective monitoring mechanisms.

6. Financing

   The work of Control Arms is financed by governments, United Nations funds and private foundations.

Area of Impact

• Switzerland
• Abroad, general