NRA News at the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty Negotiations: Tom Mason - July 23

Published on July 26, 2012
Duration: 6:37

This video features Tom Mason discussing the UN Arms Trade Treaty negotiations. He expresses concern that the treaty process is opaque and driven by a hidden agenda to target civilian firearms, despite claims of progress. Mason highlights the exclusion of gun rights organizations and the potential for unfavorable language regarding civilian ownership to be included in the treaty's preamble or operative sections.

Quick Summary

Concerns are high regarding the UN Arms Trade Treaty negotiations, with fears of a hidden agenda targeting civilian firearms. The process is criticized for its lack of transparency, exclusion of gun rights groups, and potential for unfavorable language in the treaty's operative sections, despite discussions about civilian ownership in the preamble.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Treaty Talks Update
  2. 00:11Lack of Progress
  3. 00:20Pressure on Committee President
  4. 00:39Desperation for an Outcome
  5. 00:51Hidden Agenda: Civilian Firearms
  6. 01:13Subtle Process of Control
  7. 01:37Lack of Transparency
  8. 01:45Closed Door Meetings
  9. 01:50Exclusion of Gun NGOs
  10. 02:09UN as Untransparent Body
  11. 02:27Gun Ownership Friends
  12. 02:43Concerns for Friday
  13. 02:48New Preamble Proposal
  14. 03:01Restricted Document Distribution
  15. 03:17Closed UN Environment
  16. 03:22Pressure on Ammunition
  17. 03:39Wayne LaPierre's Warning
  18. 03:52Preamble Language Uncertainty
  19. 04:06Scope and Implementation Sections
  20. 04:13Irony of Preamble Focus
  21. 04:22Danger to Gun Owners
  22. 04:40Friday Deadline
  23. 04:47What Happens in the Room
  24. 04:50Text by Friday
  25. 05:02Contentious Issues
  26. 05:13Resolution Timing
  27. 05:17Conference Breakup Possibility
  28. 05:27Consensus Requirement
  29. 05:32Possibility of Voting
  30. 05:41Consensus Approval Impact
  31. 05:47Report vs. Final Document
  32. 06:00Path to General Assembly
  33. 06:09Timeline for Signature
  34. 06:25Prediction for Friday

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main concern regarding the UN Arms Trade Treaty negotiations?

The primary concern is that the treaty process is opaque and driven by a hidden agenda to target civilian firearms, despite claims of progress. Gun rights organizations are largely excluded, and there are worries about unfavorable language being included in the treaty's operative sections.

How is transparency addressed in the UN Arms Trade Treaty negotiations?

The UN is described as a very closed and untransparent environment. Decisions are made behind closed doors, and access to delegations is crucial for understanding the process, making it difficult for the average citizen or even gun ownership representatives to participate or observe effectively.

What is the significance of the treaty's preamble in the current negotiations?

While language regarding civilian ownership is being considered for the preamble, there's concern that this might be insufficient. Experts emphasize the need for real language protecting civilian exceptions in the treaty's operative sections, not just in a preamble that may not carry legal weight.

What is the timeline and process for the Arms Trade Treaty to become official?

The treaty text is expected to be finalized by Friday and attached to a report for the General Assembly. The General Assembly will then approve it, after which it will be open for signature, potentially by early November.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from NRA

View all →