Memorandum from Saferworld
1. During our evidence to the CAEC on 11 March
2009 we were asked the following by Sir John Stanley:
I would like to ask each of you to respond to
this question, if you would. It has been the policy of successive
British governments that there should be no approval of military
exports from this country of offensive weapons—and I stress
"offensive" not defensive—into areas of conflict
or potential conflict. The question I would like to ask each of
you: Do you consider against that criterion that there are any
breaches of that policy that have been taking place in respect
of any particular weapon or weapon component to any particular
country? (Q 65)
2. The only examples given at the time
were in connection with various transfers to Israel, military
vehicles to Indonesia, and military equipment to India and Iraq.
We, did however, commit to write to the CAEC with more examples.
3. Sir John has since, in a Westminster
Hall debate of 26 March 2009, referred to this exchange from
the evidence session, stating that:
At the Committees' evidence session on 11 March,
we took evidence from non-governmental organisations such as Amnesty
International, Oxfam and Saferworld. I asked whether they could
cite specific examples of UK arms exports that had breached the
EU consolidated criteria, and I was supported in that by my hon.
Friend the Member for Buckingham (John Bercow). At the time, the
NGOs were unable to come up with specific examples, with the exception
of Israel, to which I shall come. They said that they would like
to go away and reflect further, and as of today's debate, we have
not heard further from them. I would therefore conclude that,
in broad terms, and with some exceptions to which I shall come,
the British Government are in pretty full compliance with the
terms of the EU consolidated criteria.[76]
4. The following sets out a range of examples
since the Labour Government came to power in 1997 where Saferworld
believes that equipment licensed for export by the UK Government
raises concerns regarding its potential for use in conflict. Note
however that when considering these examples, a number of factors
must be taken into account.
5. It is not one of the UK's criteria for
licence decision-making that "there should be no approval
of military exports from this country of offensive weapons … into
areas of conflict or potential conflict". The UK is legally
obliged to apply the eight criteria of the EU Common Position
defining common rules governing control of exports of military
technology and equipment (Common Position), none of which
contain such language. Most directly connected to Sir John's concerns
are:
— criterion 2—respect for human rights
in the country of final destination as well as respect by that
country of international humanitarian law;
— criterion 3—internal situation
in the country of final destination, as a function of the existence
of tensions or armed conflicts; and
— criterion 4—preservation of regional
peace, security and stability.
6. Criterion 7— Existence of a risk
that the military technology or equipment will be diverted within
the buyer country or re-exported under undesirable conditions—is
also relevant to questions of use or potential use in conflict.
However for the sake of simplicity and brevity, in the following
list no licences are included on the basis that the equipment
therein authorised for transfer was at risk of diversion. An exception
is made for incorporation cases, where by definition the equipment
will be subject to onward transfer.
7. The Common Position, like the EU Code
of Conduct on Arms Exports that preceded it and UK national legislation,
makes no distinction between offensive and other military equipment.
Indeed, while in some cases it may be straight forward to identify
"offensive" equipment, in many cases it is impossible
to draw such a distinction in isolation from the context in which
it will be used. For example, demolition charges may not immediately
be regarded as offensive weapons, however if those charges are
used by military forces or other armed groups to blow up civilian
structures then they could well be considered as offensive in
nature. C4ISTAR items (Command, Control, Communications, Computers,
military Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance)
are critical to being able to wage effective high-technology warfare,
but little of this equipment would be classed as offensive under
the traditional meaning of the term.
8. Saferworld would instead support the
repeatedly asserted position of the CAEC Chair Roger Berry, that
the key question for determining the appropriateness of licensing
decisions concerns the end-use to which the equipment is likely
to be put, rather than the inherent qualities of that equipment
(with the exception of weapons already prohibited by international
law).
9. The Common Position criteria are predicated
on the understanding that decisions will be taken on a balance
of risk as calculated on the basis of imperfect information. For
external organisations such as Saferworld, the partial level of
public transparency regarding arms transfer licensing decisions
renders the information available to us incomplete and imperfect
when compared to that available to governments. For example, the
summary descriptions of items licensed are frequently generic,
much of the equipment that can be exported under open licences
may bear little relevance to actual export intentions to specific
destinations included in those licences and, as a rule, no information
is provided on proposed end-use or end-users. Further, there is
little or no systematic end-use monitoring of UK arms transfers
to verify that they have reached their intended destination-end-user
and are being used in accordance with export licence conditions.
Therefore, the lists below of potentially problematic licences
frequently raise more questions than they answer.
10. With those caveats in mind, the following
list of licences—which is not exhaustive—should
make it clear that during the twelve years of the current Government's
rule, there are many cases where permitted exports of military
equipment from the UK raise significant concerns about possible
contributions to "conflict or potential conflict".
11. Whilst Saferworld does not have specific
evidence that equipment transferred under the licences outlined
below has been used in breach of export control undertakings—the
information publicly available on the transfers in question and
on the political and security situation in the countries of destination
gives cause for concern in these cases.
1997
| Country of Concern
| Licences granted for; |
| Colombia | |
| Armed conflict between the Government forces and non-state groups.
| Ammunition components, smoke grenades. |
| Ecuador | |
Violent Political Conflict (Peru border dispute)
Political turmoil—a bloodless coup forced the President from office on the grounds of "mental competence."
| Light machine guns, submachine guns and spares, sights, grenade launcher spares, rifle spares, rifle components, pistol spares, aircraft spares (T), refurbishment of cluster bombs.
|
| India | |
High Intensity Conflict (India -Pakistan Kashmir) estimated number of deaths in 1997 1,500, High intensity conflict in Assam estimated number of deaths in 1997 1,000, High intensity conflict in Bihar estimated number of deaths in 1997 1,000, Low Intensity Conflict in Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, Punjab and Tripura.
There were also violent political conflicts in West Bengal, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Andra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Jarkhand, Siachen, Sikkim and Uttarkhand.
| Aircraft spares, naval spares, shotgun cartridges, aircraft engine spares, thermal imaging systems, aircraft production equipment, pistols, rifles, machine guns and spares (T), sniper rifle and spares (T), helicopter spares, spares for cannons, spares for anti-aircraft gun, gun mountings for patrol boats, vehicle spares, aircraft gun spares.
|
| Indonesia | |
| Low intensity conflict in Aceh and Western Kalimantan, there was violent political conflict in Java, West Irian and East Timor, deaths from the violence in East Timor stand at 1,000.
| Aircraft spares, aircraft machine gun spares, body armour.
|
| The export of 4 Hawk Combat aircraft and 23 Armoured Personnel carriers were licensed by the previous government, however the exports were still carried out in 1997, even though there was a deepening political crisis.
| |
| Kenya | |
| Ongoing low intensity conflict in the Rift Valley, Turkana and Samburu regions, there was serious electoral violence during and after the December election.
| Pistols, pistol spares, sporting rifles, telescopic sights, shotguns, shotgun cartridges, sporting ammunition, 4-wheel drive vehicles, trucks. Assault rifles and spares.
|
| Pakistan | |
High intensity conflict with India in Kashmir which claimed 1,500 lives in 1997.
There were also a number of low intensity conflicts in Punjab, Sind, NWFP and Baluchistan.
| Naval engines, guidance equipment, ordnance tooling, rifle-submachine gun silencers, shotguns, submachine gun spares, ammunition components, depth charge components, naval gun spares.
|
| Philippines |
|
| Ongoing low intensity conflict and violent political conflicts between the government forces and both Muslim separatists and Communists.
| Aircraft spares, submachine guns and spares, weapons sights, night vision goggles (T), pistols and spares, sniper rifles, armoured personnel carrier (T).
|
| Sri Lanka | |
| High intensity conflict between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE, the estimated number of deaths in 1997 4,000.
| Submachine guns equipment and spares, machine guns equipment and spares, pistol and components-spares, aircraft spares, fuses, shotgun cartridges, shotgun.
|
| Turkey | |
| Ongoing war between the Turkish government and the PKK claimed 6,000 lives in 1997.
| Vehicle turrets, aircraft engines, aircraft spares, shotguns, shotgun cartridges, pistols, silencers, helicopter spares, missile components, air rifles, sniper rifles, ammunition, vehicle periscopes, helicopter helmet, rifles, telescopic sights, detonator, missiles.
|
| Zambia | |
| Violent political conflict, deterioration in the relationship between Zambia and Angola, possibilities of arms diversion.
| Rifle spares, submachine guns, ammunition, shotguns.
|
| Zimbabwe | |
| Violent political conflict, confiscation of white-owned farms.
| Laser rangefinders, aircraft spares, sporting pistols, pistols, 4-wheel drive vehicles, lorries and spares, detonators and spares, sporting ammunition, submachine guns and ammunition, shotgun cartridges, ammunition, spares for helicopter, shotgun.
|
| |
1998
| Country of Concern | Licences granted for
|
| AlgeriaOngoing civil war. |
Armoured all-wheel-drive vehicle, military explosives, combat helmets.
|
| Angola | |
| Ongoing civil war. | All-wheel-drive utility vehicles, armoured all-wheel-drive vehicle, firing set.
|
| Burundi | |
| Ongoing civil war. | Automatic pistol, submachine gun.
|
| Colombia | |
| Violent conflict between government, various rebel groups and criminal organisations.
| Components for rifle, semi-automatic pistols, heavy machine gun, military explosive.
|
| Ecuador | |
| Potential issues with Colombia over refugees fleeing violence and porous border used by paramilitary groups.
| Assault rifles (T), components for assault rifles (T), components for combat aircraft, components for projectile launcher, components for unmanned air vehicle, equipment for the use of assault rifle, military explosives, semi automatic pistols, sniper rifles, thermal imaging equipment.
|
| Indonesia | |
| Ongoing violence between the Indonesian Government and various militant groups.
| Components for combat aircraft, components for combat helmets, components for aircraft cannon, components for military aero-engines, components for military utility helicopter, military utility vehicles, missile launching equipment (T), projectile launchers (grapnel).
|
| Israel | |
| Ongoing unrest with the Palestinians and occupation of Southern Lebanon.
| Castings for combat aircraft, castings for military aero-engines, castings for optical target tracking, castings for unmanned air-vehicle, castings for thermal imaging equipment, components for anti-tank missile, components for assault vessel, components for combat aircraft, components for command and control vehicle, components for general military utility vehicle, components for general purpose machine gun, general purpose machine guns, components for light gun, components for light gun ammunition, components for rifle, components for telescopic sights, components for unmanned air vehicle, components for weapon day-night sights, laser range finder, light gun ammunition, military aero-engine, tank, military utility vehicle.
|
| Kenya | |
| Politically motivated violence in the Rift Valley following the 1997 election.
| All-wheel-drive armoured vehicle, small arms ammunition, components for combat aircraft, components for general purpose machine gun, components for small arms, components for submachine gun, optical target designator equipment, rifles, shotguns, tank, tank transport aircraft.
|
| Lebanon | |
| Occupation of Southern Lebanon, a number of factions in the country, fragility of the political system.
| Assault rifles, components for assault rifle, equipment for the use of small arms, laser range finder (T), shotguns, small arms ammunition.
|
| Pakistan | |
| Pakistan detonates nuclear bomb in response to India n nuclear test. Heightened tension in relationship with India.
| Components for small arms, components for airborne targeting system, components for assault rifle, components for combat aircraft, components for frigates, components for general purpose machine gun, components for general naval vessel, components for heavy gun, components for light gun, components for military utility helicopter, components for optical target-tracking-surveillance-acquisition system, components for small arms ammunition, grenades, shotgun.
|
| Peru | |
| Fighting between government forces and Shining Path guerrillas.
| Assault rifles, components for combat aircraft, components for general purpose machine gun, components for submachine gun, general purpose machine guns, projectile launchers, sniper rifles, submachine guns, telescopic sights.
|
| Philippines |
|
| Fighting between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Front (MILF).
| Small arms ammunition, components for submachine gun, components for assault rifle, semiautomatic pistols, submachine guns, assault rifles, equipment for the use of military utility helicopters.
|
| Sri Lanka | |
| Ongoing fighting between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE and associated groups.
| Components for armoured personnel carriers, components for general purpose machine guns, components for heavy machine gun, components for light gun, components for military utility helicopter, components for small arms, heavy machine guns, projectile launchers, rifles, shotguns, small arms ammunition, submachine guns.
|
| Turkey | |
| Continuing tension between the Government of Turkey and Kurdish groups such as the PKK.
| Components for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopter, components for heavy gun ammunition, components for missile control-launching-handling equipment, components for tank, components for thermal imaging equipment, semi-automatic pistol, shotguns, demolition charges-devices.
|
| Zimbabwe | |
| Zimbabwean troops enter the DRC conflict, political situation in Zimbabwe of serious concern.
| Assault rifles, components for combat aircraft, components for training aircraft, military utility vehicle, rifles, semiautomatic pistol, shotguns, sporting rifles, submachine guns.
|
| |
1999
| Country of Concern | Licences granted for
|
Colombia |
|
| Continued fighting between the Government and various non-state groups. Potential spill-over into neighbouring countries.
| Components for heavy machine gun, components for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopter, general naval vessel components, technology for the use of military aircraft ground support equipment.
|
| India | |
| "Kargil" War with Pakistan. | Castings for combat aircraft, castings-forgings and unfinished products for military aero-engines, components for heavy gun, components for airborne electronic warfare systems, components for airborne targeting systems, components for heads-up display, components for aircraft machine gun, components for armoured fighting vehicle, components for artillery fire location equipment, components for combat helicopters, components for light gun, components for military aero-engines, components for missile control-handling-launching equipment, components for naval light gun, components for range finding systems, components for submachine gun, components for submarine, components for tank, components for unmanned air vehicle, equipment for the development of air-to-surface missiles (T), equipment for the development of military aero-engines, equipment for the use of combat aircraft, production equipment for military aero-engines, general aircraft components, submachine guns, shotgun, small arms ammunition, revolver, support equipment for armoured fighting vehicles (T), technology for the use of air-to-surface missiles (T), technology for the use of combat aircraft, components for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopter, components for training aircraft, components for multi-role non-combat aircraft.
|
| Indonesia | |
| Political violence between Muslim and Christian groups, outbreaks of communal violence in a number of areas.
| Anti-tank ammunition, components for aircraft cannon, components for anti-aircraft cannon, components for combat aircraft, components for unmanned air vehicle systems, test equipment for light gun, test equipment for heavy gun.
|
| Israel | |
| Ongoing tension with the Palestinians. |
Castings for airborne targeting systems, castings for combat aircraft, castings-forgings and unfinished products for grenades, castings-forgings and unfinished products for tank, component for air-to-surface missiles, components for laser rangefinders, component for military propellant, component for tank, components for aircraft heads-up display, components for anti-tank missile, components for armoured fighting vehicle, components for bombs, components for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopter, components for heavy gun ammunition, components for light gun, components for infrared-thermal imaging equipment, components for unmanned air vehicles, components for weapon control systems, optical target tracking-surveillance-acquisition system, production equipment for missile control equipment components, production equipment for small arms ammunition, small arms ammunition, components for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopter, components for military utility vehicles.
|
| Nepal | |
| Ongoing Maoist insurgency. | Component for rifle, components for sniper rifle, equipment for the use of sniper rifle, transport aircraft, rifle, shotgun, sniper rifles, technology for the use of sniper rifle, telescopic sights, gun mountings, troop transporters, components for troop transporters, components for weapon sight, components for gun laying equipment, components for day-night sight.
|
| Pakistan | |
| Kargil War with India, military coup and suspension of the democratic process.
| Air-to-air missile control equipment, all-wheel-drive utility vehicle, castings for mortars, castings-forgings and unfinished products for general purpose machine gun, components for airborne targeting systems, components for aircraft heads-up display, component for all-wheel-drive utility vehicle, components for armoured personnel carriers, components for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopter, components for fragmentation grenade, components for frigate, components for general purpose machine gun, components for tank, equipment for the use of small arms, production equipment for assault rifles, production equipment for general purpose machine guns, shotgun, test equipment for heavy gun, infrared-thermal imaging equipment, equipment for the use for combat helicopter, components for unmanned air vehicles, troop transporter, components for troop transporters, military aero-engines, components for military aero-engines, components for combat helicopters, components for combat helicopter, components for combat aircraft.
|
| Philippines |
|
| Ongoing fighting between the government of the Philippines and various armed groups.
| Assault rifles, components for assault rifles, components for projectile launcher, components for semi-automatic pistol, equipment for aircraft operations in confined areas, components for semi automatic pistol, gun silencer, night vision goggles, projectile launcher, semiautomatic pistols, shotgun, small arms ammunition, technology for the use of assault rifles, technology for the use of semiautomatic pistol, weapon sights, weapon day-night sights, components for armoured personnel carriers, components for combat aircraft, technology for the use of components for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopter.
|
| Sri Lanka | |
| Ongoing fighting between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE.
| Armoured fighting vehicles (T), components for armoured fighting vehicles, components for armoured personnel carriers, components for general purpose machine gun, components for heavy machine gun, components for light gun, components for naval light gun, components for small arms ammunition, CS grenades, equipment for the use of military vehicles (T), equipment for the use of general purpose machine gun (T), equipment for the use of heavy machine gun, light gun ammunition, small arms ammunition, weapon sight, support equipment for naval light gun.
|
| Turkey | |
| Ongoing war between the Turkish government and Kurdish separatists.
| Armoured personnel carrier (T), castings for combat aircraft, components for armoured fighting vehicle, components for armoured fighting vehicles (T), components for armoured personnel carrier (T), components for military utility helicopter, components for unmanned air vehicle systems, optical target acquisition system, components for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopter, missile launching equipment, equipment for the use of combat aircraft, components air-to-surface missile, components for military aero-engines, air weapons, components for air weapons, equipment for the use of air weapons, weapon sights.
|
| Zimbabwe | |
| Internal trouble; forces deployed in DRC. |
All-wheel-drive utility vehicle, shotguns, weapon sights, rifles, components for military utility vehicles.
|
| |
2000
| Country | Licences granted for;
|
| Algeria | |
| Continuing violence (civil war) between government forces and a variety of extremist groups.
| Components for combat helicopter, components for military utility helicopter, technology for the use of combat helicopter, technology for the use of components for military utility helicopter.
|
| Colombia | |
| A mixture of low and high intensity conflicts in both the North and Southern regions in Colombia, there were also violent political conflicts in the India n reserves. Paramilitary groups also displayed a willingness to operate in adjacent territory therefore potentially widening the conflict regionally.
| Rifle components, military aero-engines, components for combat helicopter and related technology.
|
| India | |
| Ongoing conflict in Kashmir, a number of low intensity conflicts in Bihar, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh to name but a few, as well as several violent political conflicts.
| Indian produces Jaguar International FGA combat aircraft under licence from BAE systems. In 2000 a contract was agreed that another 17 Jaguars would be built under licence in India, licences were also granted for components for combat helicopter and components for armoured personnel carrier, components for aircraft cannon and aircraft machine gun, components for aircraft carrier, components for submarine, components for frigates, components for combat aircraft.
|
| Indonesia | |
| Continuing conflict in East Timor, Aceh and Java, there was violent political conflict in Bali. The Indonesian Government acknowledged that Hawk aircraft had been used to intimidate the civilian population in East Timor.
| Components for aircraft cannon, components for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopters, components for military training aircraft.
|
| Israel | |
| The visit of Ariel Sharon to the Temple Mount sparked the most serious violence between Israel and the Palestinians since 1967, the violence was characterised by violent protests and assassination. It also strained relations between Israel and its neighbours. Egypt withdrew its Ambassador from Israel and Israel withdrew its diplomatic staff from Jordan following attacks in its staff in Amman.
| Components, parts and equipment for combat aircraft and combat helicopters, components for air-to-surface missiles, castings and components for tank, components for large calibre artillery ammunition, body armour, components for armoured personnel carrier, components for armoured fighting vehicle, components for large and small calibre artillery ammunition, demolition charges, general purpose machine guns, equipment for the use of general purpose machine gun, rifles, small arms ammunition, components for anti-tank missile.
|
| Morocco | |
| Ongoing conflict between the Moroccan government and POLISARIO forces in the Western Sahara.
| Small arms, assault rifles, general purpose machine guns, shotguns, rocket launching equipment, small calibre artillery, technology for the use of combat helicopter, components for combat helicopter.
|
| Nepal | |
| Ongoing fighting between the government and the Maoist insurgency.
| Automatic pistols, shotguns and small arms ammunition.
|
| Nigeria | |
| Fighting flared up across Nigeria in 2000, the most significant in the oil rich Niger Delta region. Regional security concerns and the issue of the status of the Bakassi Peninsula (oil-rich area disputed between Cameroon and Nigeria).
| Components for large and small calibre artillery, weapon night sights, armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components and technology related to combat helicopters.
Concern over the export of frigate, for which a licence was granted in 2000.
|
| Pakistan | |
| A number of violent political and tribal conflicts as well as ongoing tension with India.
| Components for combat helicopter, components for military utility vehicle, components for frigate, components for naval gun, components for naval mine and naval gun mounting, shotguns, components for combat helicopters.
|
| Philippines |
|
| Ongoing violence in Mindanao between the government and the Moros Islamic Front (MILF). Tension with China over the Spratley Islands.
| Semi-automatic pistols, components for tank, components for combat helicopter, components for combat aircraft, components for military training aircraft, components for tank.
|
| Sri Lanka | |
| Intense fighting in the Jaffna peninsula. Large number of bombings, one of which killed 20 civilians and the Minister for Industry at a ceremony for war heroes.
| Heavy machine guns, semi-automatic pistols, submachine guns, components for heavy machine gun, components for semi-automatic pistol, armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components for armoured fighting vehicle.
|
| Turkey | |
| Continued fighting in Southeast Anatolia, although at a much reduced level.
| Small arms ammunition, small calibre artillery, components for sub-machine gun, components for general purpose machine gun, components for combat helicopter, components for military aero-engine, components and related equipment for combat aircraft and for combat helicopters, components for submarines, components for aircraft carrier, components for mortar.
|
| Zambia | |
| The long-standing conflict between the Angolan Government and UNITA forces caused flows of refugees into Zambia and also fighting within Zambia's borders in 2000, threatening the already tense relationship between Zambia and Angola. Angolan government accused Zambia of harbouring senior UNITA members, the border areas of Zambia are very volatile.
| Submachine guns, semi-automatic pistols, shotguns, rifles, components for combat aircraft, components and related technology for combat helicopters.
|
| Zimbabwe | |
| In Aril 2000 Robert Mugabe admitted that Zimbabwe had 0-12,000 troops in DRC. On 3 May the UK announced an arms embargo against Zimbabwe; on 12 May extant licences for military goods were revoked.
| Military utility vehicles. Seven licences for spare parts for Hawk aircraft were granted in February, two weeks after Prime Minister Blair had announced a tighter regime on arms exports to Zimbabwe and despite the fact that the UK Government was aware that Zimbabwean Hawk aircraft were being used in DRC.
|
| |
2001
| Country of Concern | Licences granted for;
|
| India | |
| Military build-up with Pakistan in Kashmir and a build-up of 250,000 troops on the Indian Pakistan border following the attacks on the Indian Parliament building in New Delhi.
| Components for combat aircraft, components for heads-up displays, components for aircraft radars, technology, equipment and test equipment for the use of combat aircraft, forgings for combat aircraft; production equipment for combat aircraft and military aero-engines, unfinished products for large calibre artillery ammunition and torpedoes, technology for the production of frigates and naval engines, components for combat helicopters, military transport aircraft, tanks, destroyers, frigates, submarines and aircraft cannons.
|
| Indonesia | |
Continuing high intensity conflict, especially in the province of Aceh.
Violence also reported in Papua.
| Components for combat aircraft, military aero-engines, components for military aero-engines, components for military training aircraft, aircraft heads-down displays, armoured all-wheel-vehicles, components for aircraft cannons, components for surface-to-air missile-control-launching-handling equipment.
|
| Israel | |
| Continuing cycle of violence stemming from the second intifada of November 2000.
| General purpose machine guns, sub machine guns, components for military small arms training equipment, body armour and components there for, military helmets, castings for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopters and military aero-engines, components for armoured fighting vehicles, castings, components for heads-up displays, castings, components and production equipment for unmanned air vehicles, components for aircraft radars, components for corvettes, components for fast attack craft, for military aero engines, for naval light guns, components for large calibre artillery ammunition and bombs, substances related to military explosives-propellants.
|
| Nepal | |
| Escalation of conflict between the state and the Maoist Communist Party.
| 6780 assault rifles, 11 semi-automatic pistols, 4 shotguns, 2 sporting rifles, grenade launchers, components for the use of small arms.
|
| Pakistan | |
| Instability within Pakistan following riots at the support shown by the government of Pakistan for the US led invasion of Afghanistan. Confrontation with India in Kashmir and further instability between the tow nations after the attacks on the parliament in Delhi.
| Components for shotguns, unmanned air vehicles, components for combat aircraft, for combat helicopters, for military aero-engines, for frigates for submarines, for large calibre artillery, for surface-to-air missile launching equipment and for torpedo launching equipment, military equipment and components for ex-Royal navy vessels excluding complete weapons or ammunition, small arms and light weapons, light and heavy artillery, armoured vehicles including main battle tanks, combat aircraft and helicopters, rocket systems with a range of less than 300km, production equipment for large calibre artillery.
|
| Philippines |
|
| Sporadic but heavy fighting between the Government of the Philippines and the New People's Army (NPA) and the Moro Liberation Front (MILF). Continued fighting with Abu Sayyaf organisation.
| Assault rifles, submachine guns, general purpose machine guns, sniper rifles, components and technology for the use of various small arms, gun mountings, weapon sights and sporting gun ammunition, anti-riot shields, body armour and military explosives, components for combat aircraft, components for tanks, military aero-engines, military utility vehicles.
|
| Sri Lanka | |
| Continuing conflict with the LTTE, despite a ceasefire which ended in April 2001, by the end of the year the US State Department estimated that 2000 combatants and 100 civilians had been killed.
| Sniper rifles, components for sniper rifles, gun mountings, weapon sights, small arms ammunition, sporting gun ammunition, stun grenades, grenade launchers and technology for their use, military devices for initiating explosives, smoke hand grenades, smoke canisters, smoke ammunition, crowd control ammunition, CS hand grenades, stun grenades, tear gas-irritant ammunition, components for combat helicopters.
|
| |
2002
| Country of Concern | Licences granted for:
|
| Bangladesh |
|
| In October 2002 the army and police were deployed across the country in a crackdown on crime named Operation Clean Heart. More than 10,000 people were arrested, and at least 38 men were killed, allegedly as a result of torture by the army. Increased attacks on minority groups after the Parliamentary elections.
| 50 semi-automatic pistols, 40 assault rifles, 12 submachine guns, components for semi-automatic pistols, components for submachine guns, technology for the use of machine pistols, technology for the use of semi-automatic pistols, technology for the use of submachine guns, weapon sights, small arms ammunition, non-sporting shotgun ammunition, tear gas-irritant ammunition, equipment for the use of grenade launchers, components for combat aircraft.
|
| Colombia | |
| Intensifying political violence, impacting upon the five neighbouring states to Colombia, examples being reports of Colombian paramilitary groups operating inside Venezuela and the build-up of Ecuadorean troops along the border with Colombia.
| Components for combat aircraft, technology for the use of combat aircraft, components for combat helicopter and technology for the use of combat helicopter, components for mortars, components for heavy machine guns, components for general purpose machine guns, components for surface-to-air missiles, components for small calibre artillery.
|
| Cote d'Ivoire |
|
| State of civil war stemming from the September 2002 uprising.
| Components for heavy machine guns and for general purpose machine guns, components for surface-to-air missile launching equipment, for weapons control systems, for combat aircraft, for combat helicopters, for surface-to-air missiles, for small calibre artillery and for mortars, technology for the use of combat helicopters and for the use of electronic warfare equipment.
|
| India | |
| "Worst communal violence in over a decade"—Human Rights Watch. Massive military mobilisation for potential war with Pakistan after the December 2001 Parliament attack.
| Inter Alia: aircraft cannons, combat aircraft and components there for, combat helicopters and components there for, components for frigates, components for aircraft machine guns, components for fast attack craft, components for surface-to-air missiles, components for tanks, components for small calibre artillery, components for mortars, components for heavy machine guns and general purpose machine guns, small arms ammunition, components for submarines, components for torpedoes, technology for the use of torpedoes, components for torpedo launching equipment, components for aircraft carriers, components for frigates, components for anti-ship missiles launching equipment, components for anti-submarine rocket launching equipment, components for corvettes, components for combat aircraft, components for the manufacture of combat aircraft, technology for the use of combat helicopters, components for aircraft cannon, technology for the use of depth charges, components for surface-to-air missile launching equipment.
|
| Indonesia | |
| A number of simmering internal conflicts, including against the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), with grave human rights violations carried out by the state.
| Components for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopter, components for tanks, components for air-to-surface launching equipment and technology for the use there of, components for armoured fighting vehicles, components for armoured personnel carriers, military utility vehicles, armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles.
|
| Israel | |
| Violent clashed between Israel and the Palestinians and Israel and Hezbollah involving cross-border strikes into Southern Lebanon.
| Assault rifles (10), components for combat aircraft, components for military aircraft heads-up display, components for submarines, technology for the development of large calibre artillery ammunition, armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components for anti-ship missiles, anti armour missiles, anti-armour launching equipment, forgings for air-to-surface missiles.
|
| Nepal | |
| Fighting between government forces and Maoist insurgents.
| The use of the Global Conflict Prevention Pool funds to "gift" two Russian-made military helicopters to the Royal Nepalese Army must be subject to some searching questions given the ongoing fighting between the Government of Nepal and a Maoist insurgency.
|
| Pakistan | |
| Mobilisation for potential war with India .
| Components for machine pistols, components for combat aircraft, components for air-to-air missiles, components for naval light guns, small arms ammunition, components for combat helicopters and technology for the use of components for combat helicopters, components for frigates.
|
| Philippines |
|
Fighting between government forces and Islamist secessionists in Mindanoa;
Fighting between government forces and the Abu Sayyaf Group.
| Small arms ammunition, military helmets, anti-riot shields, components for heavy machine guns, components for general purpose machine guns, components for mortars, components for submarines, components for naval mines, components for surface-to-air missile launching equipment, for combat aircraft, for combat helicopters for surface-to-air missiles, for small calibre artillery, for mortars, for heavy machine guns and for general purpose machine guns, technology for the use of combat helicopters and for the use of electronic warfare equipment.
|
| |
2003
| Country of Concern | Licences granted for;
|
Colombia |
|
| Ongoing high-intensity conflict (more than 1 000 deaths per year, in 2003 < 3,000 fatalities were recorded).
| Components for combat aircraft and military training aircraft, mortar training equipment, explosives.
|
| Indonesia | |
Conflict in Aceh, increasing militancy in Papua.
Fatalities in Aceh alone in 2003 < 2,000
Note: UK-made Scorpion tanks were used in the fighting with GAM, an Indonesian military spokesman stated that "Scorpion vehicles will become a key part of our campaign to finish off the separatists."
| Body armour, general military aircraft components, gun silencers, technology for the production of combat aircraft, components for combat aircraft, components for military training aircraft, components for aircraft machine guns, components for military utility helicopters, components for tanks, military image intensifier equipment, missile launching equipment, technology for the use of aircraft cannons, weapon sights.
|
| Iraq | |
| The major concern must be one of diversion, much of Iraq characterised by open warfare and sectarian conflict. Given the relative ease with which weapons are diverted from security forces to militias sending any quantities of small arms into Iraq must be questioned. The issue of licences for weapons to PMC's is also one that is open to critique.
| Components for semi-automatic pistols, components for submachine guns, equipment for the use of semi-automatic pistols, equipment for the use of submachine guns, semi-automatic pistol maintenance equipment, small arms ammunition, smoke hand grenades, submachine gun maintenance equipment, submachine guns, assault rifles, general purpose machine guns.
|
| Israel | |
| Ongoing violence stemming from the second intifada which started in 2000. In 2003 the fighting killed 600 Palestinians and 200 Israelis, from March to June a further 450 people were killed.
| Components for aiming devices, components for airborne electronic warfare equipment, components for anti-armour missiles, components for anti-radiation missiles, components for combat aircraft, components for electronic warfare equipment, components for military aero-engines, components for military heads-up displays, components for optical target surveillance equipment, components for small arms ammunition, components for small calibre artillery, components for tanks, components for unmanned air vehicles, software for the use of unmanned air vehicles, technology for the use of unmanned air vehicle control-handling-launching equipment, technology for the use of unmanned air vehicle control equipment, weapon day and night sights, unfinished products for air-to-surface missiles.
Incorporation: components for aiming devices, components for airborne warfare equipment, components for anti-radiation missiles, components for electronic warfare equipment, components for military aero-engines, components for unmanned air vehicles, equipment for the use of unmanned air vehicles, military aero-engines, technology for the use of optical target designator equipment.
|
| Morocco | |
| Although the conflict between the Moroccan government and POLISARIO in the Western Sahara claimed no lives in 2003, both sides have rejected peace agreements and at various times threatened to go back to war. Recognising that the 1991 ceasefire appears to be holding and the presence of a UN monitoring force, however given the fragility of the situation and the real possibility of a return to conflict is sending arms to the Moroccan Govt advisable?
| Components for submachine guns, sub machine guns, assault rifles, pistols, revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, rifles, sniper rifles, heavy machine guns, shotguns, mortars, components for large calibre artillery.
|
| Nepal | |
| Ceasefire between the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal. Ceasefire ended on 27 August 2003. Between the end of the ceasefire and June 2004, 17 000 people were killed in the resumption of hostilities.
| Combat shotguns, components for combat shotguns, small arms ammunition.
|
| Philippines |
|
| Continuing fighting in Mindanao province, 200 killed and an estimated 70,000 displaced.
| Armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components for heavy machine guns, components for large calibre artillery, components for weapons sights, equipment for the use of large calibre artillery, heavy machine guns, large calibre artillery, technology for the production of military aero-engines, technology for the production of unmanned air vehicles, weapon sights, military aero-engines, weapon night sights, military image intensifier equipment, components for military image intensifier equipment, technology for the use of armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles.
|
| Sri Lanka | |
| Although the ceasefire holds between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government, the LTTE pull out of talks. Given the extremely fragile state of the peace agreement, the UK is certainly not adhering to its stated principle of not sending military equipment to zones of potential or actual conflict.
| Components for aircraft military communications equipment, components for military-aero engines, components for military aircraft navigation equipment, components for naval light guns, components for small arms ammunition, equipment for the use of naval light guns, illuminators, military cargo vehicles, tear gas-irritant ammunition, military transport aircraft, military utility vehicles, armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, equipment for operation of military aircraft in confined areas, general military aircraft components, components for military electronic equipment.
|
| Turkey | |
| On going conflict between the Turkish government and Kurdish groups. Whilst the fighting was less intense than in previous (and following) years, in 2003, 12 civilians, 19 members of the security forces and 71 people described as "terrorists" died. (All statistics taken from Saferworld Audit of UK government reports on strategic exports controls 2003-2004. These figures were taken from an open citation, US Department of State Country Reports on Human Rights 2003: Turkey. Given the on going conflict and the real possibility of spill over into neighbouring Iraq, exacerbating the on going conflict there, arms exports to Turkey should be scrutinised.
| Components for general purpose machine guns, components for combat helicopters, components for heavy machine guns, assault rifles, machine pistols, general purpose machine guns, components for armoured personnel carriers, smoke hand grenades, munition fuses, armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components for combat aircraft, crowd control ammunition, tear gas-irritant ammunition, components for combat helicopters.
|
| |
2004
| Country of Concern | Licences granted for;
|
| Colombia | |
| Ongoing fighting between government forces and paramilitary forces.
| Sporting rifles, sporting gun ammunition, test equipment for large and small calibre artillery, components for combat helicopters, equipment for the use of combat aircraft, components for military utility helicopters, components for military surveillance aircraft, shotguns, laser range finders (T), night vision goggles (T), weapon sights (T).
|
| Israel | |
| Fragile situation in both Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories, 18 month ceasefire, marked with Israel's' withdrawal from the Gaza strip.
| Components for bombs, military aero-engines, small arms ammunition, components for surface-to-surface missile launching vehicles, components for armoured fighting vehicles, components for combat aircraft, armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components for anti-armour missiles, components for military infrared-thermal imaging equipment, components for unmanned air vehicles, components for weapon day and night sights, production equipment for optical target tracking devices, weapon control systems, components for airborne electronic warfare equipment, small arms ammunition, weapon control systems, components for large calibre artillery ammunition.
Incorporation: components for combat aircraft, components for military infrared-thermal imaging equipment, components for unmanned aerial vehicles, components for weapons day and night sights, components for airborne radars, components for airborne surveillance equipment, components for electronic warfare, laser range finders.
|
| Indonesia | |
| Serious ongoing conflict in Aceh. | General military aircraft components, components for combat aircraft, technology for the use of aircraft cannons, components for combat helicopters, components for aircraft cannons, components for munitions launching equipment, technology for the use of combat aircraft, firing sets.
Incorporation: Components for combat helicopters, components for military aircraft communications equipment.
|
| Nepal | |
On going fighting between the Government of Nepal and Maoist forces, the gifting of two aircraft to assist in "offensive operations" paid for by the Global Conflict Prevention Pool, seems at the very least to be rather perverse.
| The quotation was taken from Quadripartite Committee, Select Committee on Defence—Fourth Report, 2003-04, (House of Commons), point 76; Reproduced in the 2003-2004 Independent Audit of UK Government Reports on Strategic Export Controls, by Saferworld.
In January 2004 two STOL aircraft were gifted to assist in "offensive operations," these were funded from the Global Conflict Prevention Pool.
|
| Philippines |
|
| Fighting between government forces and various non-state groups. A ferry bombing killed 100.
| Components for large calibre artillery, components for tanks, equipment for the use of weapon control systems, technology for weapon control systems, weapon control systems, military aero-engines, components for military aero-engines, equipment for the use of components for military aero-engines, weapon night sights, weapon sights, naval light guns, components for assault rifles, components for general purpose machine guns, components for machine pistols, components for rifles, components for semi-automatic pistols, components for submachine guns.
|
| Sri Lanka | |
| Extremely fragile situation, ceasefire held, however, fighting broke out between rebel groups, in 2004 a split occurred in the LTTE which broke out into armed conflict between the Tamil Tigers and a break away group. Possibility of the Sri Lankan army becoming involved despite assurances to the contrary.
| Armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components for military communications equipment, components for military utility helicopters, components for naval light guns, ground vehicle military communications equipment, air guns, components for assault rifles, components for combat aircraft, components for heavy machine guns, components for semi-automatic pistols, semi-automatic pistols, small arms ammunition, technology for the use of semi-automatic pistols, components for military aero-engines, components for military transport aircraft, components for submachine guns, heavy machine guns, night vision goggles (T), military infrared-thermal imaging equipment (T), military utility vehicles, military transport aircraft, components for general purpose machine guns, gun mountings, submachine guns, weapon sights.
|
| Turkey | |
| Ceasefire between the Turkish government and Kurdish groups called off paving the way for a resumption of violence.
| Armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles (T), components for electronic warfare equipment, components for air-to-surface missile control equipment, components for air-to-surface missile handling equipment, components for air-to-surface missile launching equipment, components for surface-to-air missiles, surface-to-air missile control equipment, surface-to-air missile handling equipment, surface-to-air missile launching equipment, components for military utility helicopters, components for military training aircraft, components for combat aircraft, components for unmanned air vehicles, components for military surveillance aircraft, general military vehicle components, gun silencers, components for gun silencers, components for heavy machine guns, components for general purpose machine guns, components for mortars, gun mountings, heavy machine guns maintenance equipment, general purpose machine guns maintenance equipment, general purpose machine guns, heavy machine guns, equipment for operation of military aircraft in confined areas, components for armoured fighting vehicle, optical target acquisition equipment, components for tanks, components for sniper rifles, equipment for the use of sniper rifles, sniper rifles, small arms ammunition, weapon sights and night sights, components for surface-to-surface missiles, shotguns.
Note: Between October and December a number of very large permanent OIELS were granted, mainly for naval equipment. Given Turkey's NATO membership and current areas of conflict between Kurdish fighters and Turkish forces these are not especially worrying. If the issue of Cyprus is taken into consideration then they may become more pertinent, however they have not been added into this list at this time.
|
| |
2005
| Country of Concern | Licences granted for;
|
| Afghanistan |
|
| Violent conflict across the country, limited government control outside of the capital. Possible diversion issues.
| Assault rifles, components for assault rifles, semi-automatic pistols, non-sporting shotgun ammunition, armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles,
|
| Indonesia | |
| Peace agreement signed between GAM and the Central Government, appeared to be holding. However UK Tactica armoured personnel carriers armed with water cannon were deployed during large demonstrations in West Papua.
| Components for military training aircraft, military aircraft navigation equipment, military aero-engines, components for combat aircraft, general military aircraft components, gun silencers, components for air-to-air missile launching equipment, munitions launching equipment, technology for the use of combat aircraft, components for aircraft cannons, military firing sets, military image intensifier equipment, components for military aero-engines.
|
| Iraq | |
| Volatile situation on the ground, fears of all out sectarian conflict still real, security only really provided by coalition forces, Iraq Government security apparatus still rife with sectarian tension. Real issue of arms being diverted from regular Iraq forces to militant groups.
| Assault rifles, components for assault rifles, heavy machine guns, general purpose machine guns, semi-automatic pistols, small arms ammunition, armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components for artillery fire location equipment, grenade launchers, pyrotechnic ammunition, smoke hand grenades,
|
| Israel | |
| Ongoing clashes between Israel and Palestinian factions.
| Components for anti-armour missiles, components for airborne electronic warfare equipment, components for airborne surveillance equipment, components for ground-based radars, components for military training aircraft, components for naval light guns, components for naval radars, components for surface-to-surface missiles, components for combat helicopters, components for military utility helicopters, armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components for airborne electronic warfare equipment, components for ground-based radars, components for laser range finders, components for naval light guns, components for optical target surveillance equipment.
|
| Nigeria | |
| Increasing conflict in the Niger Delta. |
Armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components for armoured fighting vehicles, components for military cargo vehicles, components for combat helicopters, components for combat aircraft, military aircraft ground equipment, military utility vehicles.
|
| Philippines |
|
| Fighting between Government forces and various on-state groups.
| Components for military electronic warfare equipment, technology for the use of weapon sights, technology for the use of weapon night sights, components for weapon sights, components for weapon night sights, weapon sights.
|
| Sri Lanka | |
| Ongoing conflict with the LTTE, a fragile truce had been declared between the government and the LTTE although the situation was extremely delicate.
| Components for heavy machine guns, components for military training aircraft, components for military utility helicopters, components for naval light guns, components for semi-automatic pistols, components for heavy machine guns, components for combat aircraft.
Incorporation: components for naval light guns, armoured plate, ballistic shields, body armour, components for military transport aircraft.
|
| Sudan | |
| Whilst an explanation is given in the Strategic Export Controls Report for the equipment licensed as either part of the peace keeping operation or in support of the comprehensive peace agreement, in light of the ongoing violence in Sudan more information is required about this equipment.
| Military aircraft ground equipment. |
| |
2006
| Country of Concern | Licences granted for;
|
| Colombia | |
| Continuing conflict between the state and various rebel groups.
| armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components for military communications equipment, military communications equipment, naval electronic equipment, components for naval electronic equipment, technology for the use of naval electronic equipment, naval light guns maintenance equipment, test equipment for naval light guns, components for test equipment for naval light guns, technology for the use of test equipment for naval light guns, technology for the use of naval light guns maintenance equipment.
|
| Indonesia | |
| Unrest in the Sulawesi region, fighting between government forces and various non-state actors.
| Components for combat aircraft, components for military aircraft ground equipment components for military training aircraft, components for military transport aircraft, general military aircraft components, military aircraft head-up displays, military aircraft navigation equipment, military communications equipment, components for military utility helicopters, components for aircraft cannons, aiming devices, airborne electronic warfare equipment, bombing computers, components for optical target tracking equipment, components for weapons sights, components for laser range finders, fire control equipment, weapon control systems.
Incorporation—aircraft military communication equipment, components for military transport aircraft.
|
| Iraq | |
| On going security vacuum, possible diversion issues.
| Armoured personnel carriers, assault rifles, components for assault rifles, general purpose machine guns, hand grenades, components for semi-automatic pistols, components for small arms ammunition, stun grenades, non-military explosive-propellants, components for armoured fighting vehicles, equipment for the use of armoured fighting vehicles, technology for the use of armoured fighting vehicles, weapon day and night sights.
|
| Israel | |
| Clashes between Israel and Palestinian groups, "The Summer War" in Lebanon, aimed at Hezbollah, included a naval blockade of Lebanon.
| Components for airborne radars, components for ground-based radars, components for anti-armour missiles, components for airborne radars, components for aircraft military communications equipment, components for gun laying equipment, components for large calibre artillery, components for military aircraft heads-up displays, constituents of propellants, components for combat aircraft, military aircraft ground equipment, armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components for demolition charges, equipment for the use of demolition charges.
Incorporation—Components for airborne radars, components for aircraft radars, components for electronic warfare equipment, components for laser range finders, components for military flying helmets, components for infrared-thermal imaging, components for submarines, components for tanks, components for unmanned air vehicles, components for unmanned air vehicle control equipment, components for submarines, general military aircraft components.
|
| Pakistan | |
| Fighting between the Pakistani army and militants in the tribal region, however a peace agreement was signed between the warring parties in September 2006, and a period or relative calm ensued. (The peace agreement subsequently broke down in 2007-2008).
| Aerial target equipment, components for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopters, components for gun mountings, components for large calibre artillery, components for sniper rifles, equipment for the use of aerial targeting equipment, gun silencers, general military aircraft components, shotguns, production equipment for tanks, sniper rifles, small arms ammunition, weapon sight mounts, weapon sights. Armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components for military utility helicopters, components for military transport aircraft.
|
| Philippines |
|
| Fighting between rival militias, one with government backing, in Mindanao. Although there was a peace deal between the government of the Philippines and rebel groups, this was threatened by the renewed hostilities.
| Components for armoured fighting vehicles, components for combat aircraft, components for military communications equipment, components for military utility helicopters, components for naval light guns.
|
| Sri Lanka | |
| Break down in the truce between the government and the LTTE. Hostilities began to escalate throughout 2006.
| Air guns, aircraft military communications equipment, armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components for general purpose machine guns, components for heavy machine guns, components for military aero-engines, components for semi-automatic pistols, semi-automatic pistols, small arms ammunition, components for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopters, components for military transport aircraft, equipment for the use of combat helicopters, military utility vehicles.
|
| Turkey | |
| Mobilisation of Turkish troops to attack Kurdish groups in Iraq. Troops cross into Northern Iraq.
| Aircraft military communications equipment, air-to-surface missile handling equipment, air-to-surface missiles, components for airborne electronic warfare equipment, components for air-to-air missiles, components for air-to-surface missiles, components for fire control equipment, components for gun mountings, components for military infrared-thermal imaging equipment, components for optical target surveillance equipment, components for sniper rifles, components for surface-to-air missile launching equipment, components for weapon night sights, demolition charges, general military aircraft components, gun silencers, general military vehicle components, incendiary hand grenades, military firing sets, sniper rifles, unfinished products for artillery rockets, laser range finders, components for laser range finders, aiming devices, components for aiming devices, night vision goggles, components for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopters, heavy machine guns, general purpose machine guns, components for mortars, equipment for the use of heavy machine guns, components for heavy machine guns.
Incorporation: Components for armoured fighting vehicles, general military vehicle components, munitions launching equipment.
|
| |
2007
| Country of Concern | Licences granted for;
|
| Afghanistan |
|
| Licences issued in 2007 for use in Afghanistan were to: International Security Force (ISAF), the European Commission; the United Nations Office for Project Services; or for the protection of diplomatic, NGO and charity staff working in Afghanistan.
| Armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, assault rifles, components for general purpose machine guns, general purpose machine guns, semi-automatic pistols, small arms ammunition.
|
| Colombia | |
| Ongoing conflict between government forces and non-state groups-actors.
| Components for heavy machine guns, gun mountings, 43 heavy machine guns, components for combat aircraft, components for combat helicopters, technology for the production of military helicopters, air-to-surface missile launching equipment, components for general purpose machine guns, components for littoral combat vessels, components for mortars, technology for the use of aircraft cannons, technology for the use of air-to-surface missiles.
|
| Indonesia | |
| Although the situation in Sulawesi was stabilized there were still reports of heavy handed police tactics (See International Crisis Group Report, "Jihadism in Indonesia: Poso on the Edge, Asia Report No 127—24 January 2007) and serious instability arising from Islamist militancy on the islands. Taking into consideration the history of violence between the state and various non-state groups, and the continuing fragility of the situation in the islands, especially Java and Sulawesi, the number of export licences granted in 2007 needs to be explained in light of the UK's international commitments.
| Air guns, aircraft military communications equipment, components for combat aircraft, components for equipment for the operation of military aircraft in confined areas, components for military aero-engines, components for military aircraft heads-down displays, components for military aircraft head-up displays, components for military training aircraft, components for military transport aircraft, components for military utility helicopters, components for sniper rifles, equipment for the operation of military aircraft in confined areas, equipment for the use of sniper rifles, firing sets, gun mountings sniper rifles, non-sporting shotgun ammunition, small arms ammunition, military firing sets, weapon sights.
|
| Iraq | |
| "With the surge" in Iraq beginning in 2007 the security situation began to become more stable. However the wisdom of granting licences for small arms and armoured vehicles to a country that already had a huge issue with the diversion of weapons to militia groups-non-state actors is contentious
| Armoured personnel carriers, assault rifles, assault rifles maintenance equipment, components for rifles, components for semi-automatic pistols, equipment for the use of assault rifles, equipment for the use of semi-automatic pistols, equipment for the use of weapon sights, general purpose machine guns, general purpose machine guns maintenance equipment, semi-automatic pistols, small arms ammunition, grenade launchers, armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, gun mountings.
|
| Israel | |
| Fighting between Palestinian factions, high levels of instability in the region, possibility of resumption of violence between Israeli and Palestinian forces high.
| Components for combat aircraft, components for assault rifles, components for military heads-up display, components for military infrared-thermal imaging equipment, components for semi-automatic pistols, components for unmanned air vehicles, components for weapon, general naval vessel components, components for airborne radars, components for aircraft radars, components for anti-armour missiles, components for helmet-mounted display equipment, components for optical target surveillance equipment, military firing sets, re-breathing apparatus.
|
| Kenya | |
| Electoral violence stemming from the December 2007 election. This ran into 2008. Given the previous outbreaks of violence surrounding elections in Kenya and the tense situation in parts of the country any licences granted should have been done so with that in mind.
| Components for assault rifles, components for body armour, components for semi-automatic pistols, semi-automatic pistols, military utility vehicles, military helmets.
|
| Lebanon | |
| Severe fighting broke out between Lebanese government forces and Fatah al-Islam an Islamist organisation in the Nahr el-Bared refugee camp. The fighting spread to the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp and there were several bombings in Beirut.
| General military aircraft components, gun mountings, components for body armour, weapon night sights, firing sets, components for military firing sets, devices for initiating explosives.
|
| Nigeria | |
| Increasing attacks in the Niger Delta region, between 2006 and 2007 the attacks were responsible for shutting down one quarter of Nigeria's oil supply: www.stratfor.com/analysis/20090316_nigerias_mend_different_militant_movement
| Armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components for combat aircraft, components for military training aircraft, patrol craft, marine position fixing equipment.
|
| Pakistan | |
State of emergency declared in Pakistan, constitution suspended, widespread political turmoil, violence in the tribal areas spread into the major cities in Pakistan, as well as spilling over into Afghanistan (and vice versa). Full text of the proclamation of emergency:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7077136.stm
| Aiming devices, aircraft military communications equipment, components for air-to-air missiles control equipment, components for combat helicopters, components for destroyers, components for frigates, components for large calibre artillery, components for military aircraft heads-up displays, components for military aircraft navigation equipment, components for military utility helicopters, components for semi-automatic pistols, components for sporting rifles, general naval vessel components, equipment for the use of aiming devices, equipment for the use of optical target designator equipment, military aircraft ground equipment, military devices for initiating explosives, military firing sets, shotguns, technology for the use of military transport aircraft, technology for the use of aiming devices, weapon sights, fire control equipment, weapon control systems, components for fire control equipment, components for weapon control systems, large calibre artillery, components for large calibre artillery, range finding equipment, laser rangefinders, components for optical target designator equipment, components for optical target surveillance equipment, components for optical target tracking equipment, torpedo handling, launching and control equipment, military aero-engines, components for military aero-engines, components for combat aircraft, military transport aircraft, components for military transport aircraft, assault rifles (from Romania).
|
| Philippines |
|
| Heavy fighting in the southern Philippines between government forces and rebel groups.
| Air guns, components for airguns, components for armoured fighting vehicles, components for combat aircraft, gun silencers, re-breathing swimming apparatus, shotguns, imaging cameras, weapon night sights (T), weapon sights (T).
|
| Sri Lanka | |
| Fighting between Sri Lankan government forces and the LTTE, battles took place on land and at sea.
| General naval vessel components, components for military utility helicopters, components for combat aircraft, components for military training aircraft, components for combat helicopters, technology for the use of combat aircraft, technology for the production of combat aircraft, technology for the production of combat helicopters.
|
| Turkey | |
| Fighting between Turkish government forces and Kurdish groups, fighting took place in a number of areas including the Iraqi border.
| Airguns, airborne electronic warfare equipment, components for aerial targeting equipment, components for aircraft radars, components for armoured fighting vehicles, components for combat aircraft, components for equipment for operation of military aircraft, components for large calibre artillery, components for military aero-engines, components for military infra-red/thermal imaging equipment, components for military training aircraft, components for military utility helicopters, components for patrol craft, components for surface-to-air missiles, components for surface-to-air missiles control-launching equipment, equipment for the use of ground-based radars, general military aircraft components, gun silencers, military aircraft ground equipment, military aircraft head-down displays, military communications equipment, production equipment for small arms ammunition, production equipment for small calibre artillery ammunition, shotguns, technology for the development of air-to-surface missiles, technology for the use of military aero-engines, test equipment for night vision goggles, test equipment for large calibre artillery, weapon sights.
|
| |
2008 (Please note that at the time of writing the final quarterly
report for 2008 has yet to be published. All licences below
are therefore up to and including September 2008.)
| Country of concern | Licences of concern;
|
| Afghanistan |
|
| Deteriorating security situation, Afghan government remit only extends as far as Kabul, instability throughout the country, factionalism rife.
| Armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, assault rifles, components for assault rifles, components for machine pistols, components for semi-automatic pistols, machine pistols.
|
| Georgia | |
| War with Russia in August 2008. | Components for ground vehicle military communications equipment, equipment for the use of tanks, small arms ammunition, sniper rifles, military utility vehicles,
|
| Iraq | |
| Although the US "Surge" and a change in tactics has helped to bring a more stable security situation to Iraq, questions about the reliability of indigenous security forces and whether arms are being diverted to militias need to be looked at.
| Assault rifles, components for armoured personnel carriers, components for assault rifles, components for general purpose machine guns, components for semi-automatic pistols, components for submachine guns, general purpose machine guns, semi-automatic pistols, small arms ammunition, weapon sights.
|
| Israel | |
| Massive Israeli military operation launched in Gaza, codenamed, "Operation Cast Lead," resulted in heavy Palestinian loss of life.
| Components for airborne electronic warfare equipment, components for electronic warfare equipment, components for helmet-mounted display equipment, technology for the use of weapon sights, components for combat aircraft, technology for the use of military aircraft ground equipment,
Incorporation: components for airborne targeting equipment.
|
| Nigeria | |
| Fighting between armed groups in the Niger Delta and Nigerian government forces. Oil installations attacked and serious disruption occurred to Nigeria's oil producing facilities. A ceasefire was called by MEND (Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta) in September 2008, however it was called off in early 2009.
| Armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, general purpose machine guns, heavy machine guns, components for large calibre artillery, equipment for the use of large calibre artillery, components for anti-aircraft guns, equipment for the use of anti-aircraft guns, components for artillery computers, military utility vehicles.
|
| Pakistan | |
| Fighting between the Pakistani army and groups in the tribal areas of northern Pakistan. Violence spilled over into the cities. However a truce was signed although sporadic attacks do still occur. The tribal areas of Pakistan are used as a base by militants for operation inside Afghanistan.
| Components for optical target acquisition equipment, components for small calibre artillery, shotguns, armoured all-wheel-drive vehicles, components for large calibre artillery, components for sniper rifles, sniper rifles, gun mountings, equipment for the use of weapon sights, technology for the production of launching equipment for munitions, technology for the use of launching equipment of munitions, components for combat helicopters, components for the use of airborne surveillance equipment, non-sporting shotgun ammunition, small arms ammunition, tear gas-irritant ammunition.
|
| Philippines |
|
| Break down of peace talks and a resumption of violence between the Government of the Philippines and the secessionist group the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
| General military aircraft components, components for armoured fighting vehicles, components for military transport aircraft, components for semi-automatic pistols, gun silencers.
|
| Russia | |
| Invaded Georgia in August 2008. | Air guns, components for military aero-engines, military utility vehicles, rifles, shotguns, sniper rifles, components for sniper rifles,
Incorporation: General military aircraft components (destined for Saudi Arabia), components for combat aircraft.
|
| Sri Lanka | |
| Ongoing fighting between government of Sri Lanka forces and secessionist groups.
| Military-infrared thermal imaging equipment.
|
| Turkey | |
| Bombardment of Kurdish groups in Northern Iraq in late 2007 preceded a ground invasion of Northern Iraq by Turkish forces in early 2008.
| Components for anti-aircraft guns, components for electronic warfare equipment, components for fire control equipment, components for launching equipment of surface-to-air missiles, components for man-portable air-defence systems, components for military infrared-thermal imaging equipment, components for military transport aircraft, components for tanks, components for weapons sights, general military aircraft components, general military vehicle components, weapon day and night sights, armoured fighting vehicles, components for air defence systems, components for large calibre artillery, components for laser range finders, components for air-to-surface missiles, components for armoured fighting vehicles, components for armoured personnel carriers, components for unmanned air vehicles, components for military transport aircraft.
|
| |
OTHER AREAS
OF CONCERN
Saudi Arabia: Whilst there is no actual conflict in
Saudi Arabia, the massive rearmament of Saudi Arabia, spearheaded
by British companies raises some difficult questions. We have
not looked at human rights issues in this report, focusing only
on conflict, if we had Saudi Arabia would feature heavily. Given
the potential fragility of the Saudi regime, is it wise to help
them acquire huge quantities of advanced weaponry, both sparking
a possible regional arms race (Iran-Israel…) and also opening
up the possibility of this equipment ending up in hostile hands.
Incorporation: Incorporation is an issue. For example in
2006 over £5 million worth of incorporation licences
were granted to the US, including for components for combat aircraft,
and for military aircraft heads-up display (HUD); the US has previously
incorporated UK-made HUD's into fighter jets exported to Israel.
Under current UK policy, it is likely that permission for direct
transfer of such equipment to Israel would be denied.
DIVERSION-END
USE
Example Iraq: There are concerns that some equipment has-is
being diverted for use by militia forces, Beretta pistols exported
to Iraq from the UK and distributed to the Iraqi police, have
been found in the hands of Iraqi insurgents. The Quadripartite
Committee has also voiced concerns over end-use citing statements
from the chief of police in Basra reporting that he could only
rely on half of his forces and speculating the most likely source
of diversion was from within the Iraqi police force. (Source:
The Quadripartite Committee, Minutes of Evidence, Examination
of Witnesses, Dr Kim Howells MP, Mr Trevor Moore and Mr Graham
Glover, 25 April 2006, QUS. 280-299, http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmquad/873/6042501.htm)
For more information please see the Saferworld report from
where this information is drawn entitled, "The Good, the
Bad and the Ugly. A decade of Labour's arms exports." Saferworld,
May 2007:
RE -EXPORT-LICENSED
PRODUCTION OVERSEAS
It is a fact highlighted by the Quadripartite committee that
British military equipment has been re-exported to undesirable
locations and also produced overseas and then used for abuses
of human rights. The export of British maritime patrol aircraft
from India to Burma and the Turkish made Land Rover Defenders
used in the Andijan massacres are well trodden examples., highlighted
by both NGO's and the Quadripartite Committee.
(http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmselect/cmquad/254/25406.htm£a16 ).
It is not inconceivable that these are the only examples of this,
and whilst the information does not make provision for this it
is something that should be considered further.
Note:
High Intensity Conflict: More than 1000 fatalities.
Low Intensity Conflict: Between 100-1000 fatalities.
Violent Political Conflict: Fewer than 100 fatalities.
The rating system used comes from PIOOM (Interdisciplinary
Research Programme on Causes of Human Rights Violations), an independent
research institute based in Netherlands which focuses on monitoring
human rights. As such PIOOM registers three levels of armed conflict
(above). Where High Intensity, Low Intensity and Violent Political
Conflict are mentioned it refers to this register.
15 April 2009
76
(Hansard debates, 26 March 2009, col 150WH). Back
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