THE Ministry of Home Affairs said yesterday it has noted the critical stage reached at the United Nations (UN) in the ongoing negotiations on an arms trade treaty (ATT).
In a press statement, the ministry observed that the objective of the treaty is to regulate and control the trade of several categories of weapons, from the smallest to the largest, and to prevent firearms and ammunition from getting into the hands of terrorist and criminal elements. Further, the ministry has acknowledged the efforts being made by the Caribbean Coalition for the Development and Reduction of Armed Violence (CDRAV), a regional non- governmental organisation (NGO) currently waging a campaign to save lives from the use of illegal firearms trafficked between countries.
The ministry welcomed the point at which the negotiations are, as well as the lobbying efforts of the CDRAV, and is fully aware that foreign policy is an expression of domestic policy.
The ministry, once again expressed regrets that, at the domestic level, the joint Opposition has failed to understand and appreciate the international implications of its denunciation of the Amendment to the Firearms Act recently laid in the National Assembly.
The amendment is aimed at tackling trafficking in firearms and ammunition and supporting efforts, at the international level, to hammer out a treaty curbing the illegal trade in firearms and ammunition, the release explained.