Questions on the Export of Small Arms and Light Weapons
The German Bundestag (Federal Parliament) has debated a request by the Left Party parliamentary group for a ban on the export of small arms and light weapons to non-EU countries.
The request was rejected by the majority of the Bundestag, with 530 votes against 89 in favor and two abstentions. The Left Party and the Greens voted in favor of the request, while the other parliamentary groups voted against it.
In the debate, the Left Party argued that the export of small arms and light weapons contributed to armed conflicts, human rights violations, and terrorism. The party also criticized the fact that Germany is one of the world’s largest exporters of small arms.
The government, on the other hand, argued that a ban on the export of small arms and light weapons would not be effective in reducing their proliferation. The government also stressed that Germany’s export controls are among the strictest in the world.
In a resolution passed after the debate, the Bundestag called on the government to continue its efforts to reduce the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. The resolution also called on the government to support international initiatives to control the trade in small arms and light weapons.
Background
Small arms and light weapons (SALW) are defined as firearms that can be carried and used by one person. They include pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, and machine guns.
SALW are used in a wide range of conflicts, including civil wars, insurgencies, and terrorist attacks. They are also used for self-defense, hunting, and sport shooting.
The proliferation of SALW is a major concern for the international community. SALW are often used in human rights abuses, including mass killings, torture, and rape. They can also contribute to the destabilization of states and the spread of armed conflict.
In an effort to reduce the proliferation of SALW, the United Nations adopted the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in 2013. The ATT is a legally binding treaty that regulates the international trade in conventional weapons, including SALW.
Germany is not yet a party to the ATT. However, the German government has expressed its support for the treaty and has stated that it intends to accede to the treaty in the future.
German Exports of SALW
Germany is one of the world’s largest exporters of SALW. In 2017, Germany exported €280 million worth of SALW. The majority of German SALW exports go to the United States, Canada, and other NATO countries.
However, Germany has also exported SALW to a number of countries with poor human rights records, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.
Controversies
The export of German SALW has been the subject of controversy in recent years. In 2018, the German government approved the export of 100,000 G36 assault rifles to Saudi Arabia. This decision was criticized by human rights groups, who argued that the rifles could be used to commit human rights abuses in Yemen.
In 2020, the German government approved the export of 10,000 G36 assault rifles to Egypt. This decision was also criticized by human rights groups, who argued that the rifles could be used to suppress dissent in Egypt.
The German government has defended its decision to export SALW to these countries, arguing that they are key allies in the fight against terrorism. However, the government has also stated that it will continue to monitor the use of German SALW and will take action if there is any evidence that they are being used for human rights abuses.
Fragen zum Export von Klein- und Leichtwaffen
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