The US participation in the UN Arms Trade Treaty

[mrerick]

Many of us have heard about US participation in a UN sponsored Arms Trade Treaty, but have not seen details of it.

You can see the current US position on this treaty here:

http://www.state.gov/t/isn/rls/fs/148314.htm

with more information here:

http://www.state.gov/t/isn/armstradetreaty/index.htm

The essence of this treaty will eliminate import and export of small arms and ammunition between countries for anything other than governmental purposes.

The scope includes all small arms and light weapons, and non-weapon combat support equipment (holsters, etc...).

There are specific "tests" being proposed, including:

"Appropriateness of the transfer in responding to or satisfying legitimate recipient security needs."

The "recipient" in the discussion is not an individual, but refers to governmental states.

While saying it must respect our 2nd amendment, it also says:

"The U.S. will oppose provisions inconsistent with existing U.S. law or that would unduly interfere with our ability to import, export, or transfer arms in support of our national security and foreign policy interests."

The interests of individuals are not to be respected.

So, with entry into this treaty, the import and export of firearms and ammunition to and from the USA for individual citizen needs can be effectively curtailed.

Clearly, the consequence to collectors of international military oriented firearms could be severe.

This treaty doesn't discuss anything about the technology. A bolt action .22 is treated the same way as a machine gun.

Marc