The issue is simple. The arms trade is out of control.

The unregulated supply of weapons makes it easy for criminals to murder, for soldiers to kill indiscriminately, and for police to arbitrarily take lives. Today’s weapons are quicker and more powerful than ever before. And in the wrong hands, this means more abuse and more wasted lives.

While rich countries discuss grand schemes to reduce poverty, their governments and companies still condone and participate in arms sales to Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America amounting to US$22bn a year, on average. (Shockingly, the UN estimates that less than half that amount of money is required for these countries to achieve universal primary education). It’s outrageous!

Guns in the hands of civilians pose serious challenges for health and safety. They intensify violence in the home, on the street and in the schools, not to mention the daily risk of unintentional firing, trafficking, and guns getting in the hands of children and youth.

Amnesty International, Oxfam and IANSA have joined forces to demand a global Arms Trade Treaty. It would create legally binding arms controls and ensure that all governments control arms to the same basic international standards. In short, it would help stop weapons falling into the hands of indiscriminate killers and human rights abusers.

So take a minute. Join hundreds of thousands of others and add your face to the Million Faces petition demanding a change from the international community in time for the next UN arms conference in 2006.