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Statement on the need for a strong and effective arms trade treaty

The WCC affirms an arms trade treaty as a legal instrument that has three complementary tasks. It must prevent arms transfers to states where the government poses a threat to its own people or to other states. It must improve trade controls so that, where there is a high risk of re-export or diversion to organized criminals or armed groups, arms smuggling and black market sales are reduced or stopped. The ATT must also serve to protect communities and save lives.

Executive committee

Déclaration sur la nécessité d'un traité fort et efficace sur le commerce des armes

Le Conseil œcuménique des Églises se déclare en faveur d'un traité sur le commerce des armes ayant force d'instrument juridique, qui aurait trois tâches complémentaires. Il doit prévenir les transferts d'armes à destination des États dont le gouvernement constitue une menace pour sa propre population ou pour d'autres États. Il doit améliorer les réglementations commerciales afin qu'en cas de risque accru de réexportation ou de détournement vers des organisations criminelles ou des groupes armés, la contrebande d'armes et les ventes d'armes au marché noir soient réduites ou interrompues. Le TCA doit également servir à protéger les citoyens et à sauver des vies.

Executive committee

What does “God's security” look like?

As a 10-year-old schoolgirl, on 6 August 1945, at 8:15 a.m., Setsuko Thurlow, then Nakamura, suddenly saw a brilliant bluish light flash outside her schoolroom window. “I remember the sensation of floating in the air. When I regained consciousness, in the total darkness and silence, I found myself in the rubble.”

From Chernobyl to tsunami stones: Life-saving lessons on peace convocation agenda

The Chernobyl disaster of 25 years ago remains a human and environmental tragedy so severe the consequences will continue for centuries. Its anniversary this week is especially timely given the current emergency in Japan which echoes some of Chernobyl’s hard lessons. To learn them would honour those who suffer from the past and could save lives in the future.