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Irish firms accused of arming war zones AMNESTY International
has accused Irish companies of being involved in the supply of deadly
weapons to conflicts going on in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Middle East.
The organisation demanded loopholes in export controls be closed to prevent
any connection with human rights abuses around the world.
It claims Irish firms and individuals are making key components for weapons
assembled abroad and are providing overseas arms manufacturers with expertise.
These include parts for attack helicopters used against Palestinians and
in Lebanon as well as designs for armoured vehicles used in Afghanistan
and by Iraqi paramilitaries accused of torture and unlawful killing.
Spokeswoman Noeleen Hartigan said: “We need effective law to ensure
that military and security goods, technology and services from Ireland
do not contribute to human rights abuses around the globe.
“Ireland must play its part in controlling the global arms trade;
we are the only EU country that has no controls on arms brokering.”
Amnesty International is calling on the Irish Government to introduce
tighter laws regulating the manufacture of weapons components, the supply
of military services and arms transport through Ireland.
Ms Hartigan said: “Faced with an arms industry that operates globally
the Irish Government must not take a minimalist approach to this legislation.
“The scale of human suffering caused by uncontrolled arms transfers
makes action on our recommendations imperative.” |
