Weapons are flowing into Darfur despite a UN

LONDON, Sept 17 (KUNA) -- Weapons are flowing into Darfur despite a UN embargo, said Amnesty International in a report.
In the 125-page report entitled "Blood at the Crossroads," which sets out the case for a robust arms trade treaty due to be discussed at the UN next month, Amnesty said that on February 19 this year, two Chinese "Fantan" fighter jets were used in an attack on Beybey, in Darfur, and three large bombs were dropped on a settlement killing eight people, including children.
The aircraft had recently been serviced by Chinese technicians and their Sudanese pilots allegedly trained in China to fly them, it said.
Kate Allen, Amnesty International's UK director, said, "Next month's decision at the UN is crucial. Governments around the world cannot go on ignoring the untold suffering and dreadful abuses caused by irresponsible global arms transfers.
"World leaders have to uphold their obligations on human rights and to move forward on an international arms trade treaty which is underpinned by the 'golden rule' on human rights," she added.
Amnesty describes the golden rule as countries undertaking not to approve the supply of "conventional weapons, munitions, military equipment or assistance, where there is a substantial risk that such items will be used for serious violations of international human rights." (end) he.ema KUNA 171225 Sep 08NNNN