What Oxfam is Doing
Oxfam, Amnesty International, and the International Action Network on Small Arms joined together to launch the Control Arms Campaign in over 50 countries around the world, ranging from the UK to New Zealand, Venezuela to Sierra Leone.
Oxfam recognizes the right of countries to export and import weapons for self defense and law enforcement. However, states that engage in the arms trade have a corresponding duty to respect international human rights and humanitarian law, and to promote peaceful international relations. They must take necessary action to ensure that weapons do not end up in the wrong hands—those of non-state parties or security forces that violate human rights.
Violence is an unfortunate but accepted reality in many poor communities. Therefore, arms control efforts must be matched with programs to address poverty, insecurity, lack of sustainable livelihoods, and lack of equitable access to social services, financial assets, and opportunities. Without action to break the cycle of violence and poverty, many communities will be reluctant to surrender their weapons.