Rationale for question

It is generally accepted that sovereign nations have the right to self-defence, and international law provides for the use of force in certain circumstances. However, the trade in arms is highly contentious, particularly the question of which governments or groups may receive arms. For example, advocates of arms control argue that selling arms to conflict prone areas incites or prolongs violence. They also criticise the lack of transparency in arms transfers. The United Nations (UN) is considering the establishment of international standards for the import, export and transfer of arms, but there is currently no arms trade treaty.

Private companies support armed forces throughout the world through the provision of weapons, combat vehicles, vessels, aircraft and other equipment and supplies. The arms industry often receives subsidies and vital political and diplomatic assistance from their home governments. Major arms exporting countries include the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom and Germany.

This question does not attempt to define what is acceptable and unacceptable engagement with the arms trade or the arms industry. Instead, it allows companies to explain any form of engagement they may have.

Defining Terms

The 'arms trade' is the production and provision of armaments, i.e. weapons and equipment to fighting organisations, including national armies, paramilitaries and guerrilla groups.

The 'arms industry' refers to organisations that manufacture or service armaments. It is also known as the 'armaments industry', 'weapons industry', 'military industry', 'defence industry' and 'munitions industry'.

For the purposes of this question, a company 'engages' with the arms trade or the arms industry by undertaking any of the following activities:

1. buying or selling armaments, including facilitating such transactions;
2. manufacturing armaments or components specifically for use in armaments;
3. promoting armaments, e.g. through arms fairs; or
4. investing in or receiving funding from a company engaged in any of the above activities.

Primary and Secondary answer requirements

ANSWERING YES

Companies must:

1. describe how they engage, as defined above, with the arms trade or arms industry; and
2. describe any policies they have to guide such engagement.

ANSWERING NO

Companies may:

1. describe any policies they have regarding engagement with the arms trade; and
2. mention any future intentions regarding this issue.

DON'T KNOW is not permissible answer to this question.

NOT APPLICABLE is not permissible answer to this question.

NO ANSWER YET is only permissible under extraordinary circumstances and then for only a limited period.