斯德哥尔摩国际和平研究所-Arms-transfers-to-the-Americas

ARMS TRANSFERS TO THE AMERICAS: SUMMARY

I. Introduction

The United Nations is currently discussing the feasibility of an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), aiming to establish better controls on international arms transfers. The European Union supports this process by funding regional seminars organized by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). This paper provides background information for the regional meeting on the Americas, focusing on arms transfers to and from the region, as well as transparency in these transactions.

II. Arms Transfers to and from States in the Americas

Arms Imports

• United States: The largest arms importer in the Americas (2004–2008), with almost half of its imports coming from EU member states. It was the seventh largest global importer in 2004–2008, up from 14th in 1999–2003.
• South America: Military spending rose significantly, reaching $48.1 billion in 2008, up by 50% over the decade 1999–2008. This increase was driven by high commodity prices, particularly copper, soya, and oil.
• Key Importers:
  • Brazil: The largest arms importer in South America, with a notable increase in military spending and arms acquisitions.
  • Chile: Second largest importer in the Americas (2004–2008), with a defense budget nearly doubling between 1997 and 2007.
  • Venezuela: Third largest importer in the Americas (2004–2008), with significant purchases from Russia.

Arms Exports

• United States: The world's largest arms exporter, accounting for 31% of all international arms exports (2004–2008), with major exports to the Middle East.
• Other Exporters: Brazil, Chile, and Venezuela have also been involved in arms exports, though none play a significant global role. Brazil's industry declined in the 1990s but has since been revitalized with a focus on domestic production.

Illicit Transfers

• Nicaragua to Colombia: In 2000, Nicaragua sold 3000 AK-47 rifles to Panama, which were later diverted to Colombia's AUC.
• Mexico: Approximately 90% of the weapons seized from drug cartels in Mexico originated from the United States, contributing to significant drug-related violence.

III. Transparency in Arms Transfers

• UNROCA Participation: All states in the Americas have submitted information to the UN Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) since 1998, but participation has been inconsistent. The number of submissions dropped from 28 in 2001 to 13 in 2008.
• OAS Transparency Convention: Adopted in 1999, this convention is legally binding and requires states to report on all arms acquisitions within 90 days of incorporation into the armed forces. Only 12 out of 34 OAS member states have ratified it.
• National Reports: The United States is the only country in the Americas to publish an annual national report on arms exports, while other countries have not.

IV. Conclusions

• Military Spending: While South America has seen significant increases in military spending, the Americas as a whole still spend less than other regions.
• Illicit Transfers: These remain a concern, especially for small arms and light weapons (SALW), which can cause instability and violence.
• Support for ATT: The Americas have largely supported the ATT, with all states voting in favor of the 2008 UN General Assembly resolution, except the USA and Venezuela.
• USA's Position: Despite its opposition to the ATT, the USA has been a leader in arms export control, including the first to implement national controls on arms brokering.
• Regional Mechanisms: The region has developed transparency mechanisms such as the OAS Transparency Convention and the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, but their implementation remains inconsistent.

Key Points

• The USA dominates arms transfers and military spending in the Americas.
• South America has experienced a significant rise in arms imports and military spending.
• Illicit transfers of SALW pose a serious threat to regional stability.
• Transparency mechanisms are in place, but their consistent implementation is lacking.
• The ATT has received strong support in the region, though the USA opposes it due to its existing legal standards.