Dates: 1974 -
The Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) works for the reduction and ultimate abolition of the international arms trade, together with progressive demilitarisation within arms-producing countries.
CAAT is a network of people based in the UK who recognise that the arms trade severely undermines human rights, security and economic development at global, regional, national and local levels. CAAT also understands that government decisions are unduly influenced by arms companies. In seeking to end this trade, CAAT’s priorities are to:
* end all government political and financial support for arms exports;
* end exports to oppressive regimes, countries involved in armed conflict or in regions of tension and countries whose social welfare is threatened by military spending;
* promote policies to fully orientate the UK economy towards civil production.
CAAT supports the promotion of peace, justice and democratic values, and the prevention and resolution of conflicts by peaceful means. CAAT considers that high military spending is unacceptable and only reinforces a militaristic approach to problems. CAAT is committed to nonviolence in all its work.
CAAT was set up in 1974 by a number of peace and other organisations who were concerned about the growth of the arms trade following the Middle East war of 1973.
Commitment to non-violence
Involvement in organising and participation in CAAT’s demonstrations and protests is conditional on accepting the need to remain non-violent at all times. This principle is at the core of our guidance for involvement in CAAT actions.
