EU ATT Outreach Project II - Online Activity for Peru and Colombia

25/08/2020
-
27/08/2020
Activity description

From 25 – 27 August 2020, an Online Activity for Peru and Colombia took place within the framework of the EU Arms Trade Treaty Outreach Project II (EU ATT OP II) based on the EU Council Decision 2017/915/CFSP.

This activity was organised by the implementing entity BAFA and was originally planned to be bilateral with the long-term partner state of Peru. However, based on a proposal advanced by Peru, it was agreed that stakeholders from the neighbouring state of Colombia, also a partner country within the EU ATT OP II, was also invited to participate in the seminar.

The focus of the event was on the general implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty from both a legal and practical perspective. Furthermore, the topic of classification and typology of conventional arms and ammunition as well as the general importance of the role of a national control list was addressed. The seminar highlighted the relevance of implementing Articles 6, 7, 15, and 16 of the ATT. Furthermore, both Peru’s and Colombia’s next steps regarding the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty were identified. Approximately, 60 state officials from relevant authorities (30 officials from Peru and Colombia each) attended the activity.

During the first day, a presentation was dedicated to the topic of national implementation of the ATT from both a legal and an operational perspective. Subsequently, participants had the opportunity to ask questions that were answered by the expert.

The second day started with a presentation on classification and typology of conventional arms and the role of a national control list. Again, a questions and answers session concluded that day.

The third day of the binational online seminar addressed some of the core provisions of the Treaty as stipulated by Art. 6 (Prohibitions) and 7 (Export and Export Assessment) and their implementation. Furthermore, the importance and opportunities of Art. 15 (International Cooperation) and Art. 16 (International Assistance) of the ATT, respectively, were also addressed.

The activity was supported by three experts in the field of export controls from Mexico, Peru, and Costa Rica, and organised by the implementing entity BAFA (Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control), Germany.

Project description

The goal of 'EU ATT Outreach Project (EU ATT-OP)', as part of the European Union Partner-to-Partner (EUP2P) Export Control Programme, is to support the effective implementation of the ATT. Upon request, the project will support a number of States in strengthening their arms transfer control systems with a view to being able to implement the ATT. The project also aims to increase awareness and ownership of the ATT at national and regional levels and therein contribute to its universalisation. A second edition of the project was initiated on 29 May 2017 by Council Decision 2017/915 and it is co-implemented by BAFA and Expertise France.The EU ATT Outreach Project has three different components: 1) Tailored National Assistance Programmes; 2) Ad-hoc Activities; and 3) Regional Seminars. National assistance programmes are developed in close cooperation with partner countries. Key elements of national assistance programmes are: an initial needs assessment visit; inclusive roadmap development; and, practical support follow up activities.

Type of Activity
Legal or legislative assistance
Sensitization and outreach
Focus of Activity
Control list
Import controls
Regional cooperation
Risk assessments
Small arms and light weapons (SALW) controls
Transfer controls
Transit and trans-shipment controls
Partners
Colombia
Peru
Implementers
German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA)
Donors
European Union (EU)
Contact Details
Organization
Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) Division 225
Address
Frankfurter Str. 29-35, 65760 Eschborn, Germany
Phone
+49 6196 908 - 2602
Fax
+49 6196 908 11 -2602