Burma Ban Imperilled

A new report released by Amnesty International and a number of other NGOs, including Saferworld, alleges that the Indian government is preparing to sell the Burmese regime an attack helicopter built with components and technology from six European countries, including Germany.

The organizations said the transaction would make a mockery of the EU arms and trade restrictions that were imposed on Burma, also known as Myanmar, for its human rights abuses.

"The EU embargo explicitly states that no military equipment should be supplied, either directly or indirectly, for use in Myanmar," said Roy Isbister from Saferworld, one of the report's compilers.

"What's the point in having an arms embargo if it is not going to be implemented or enforced?"

The United Nations has described human rights violations in Burma, which is led by a military junta, as "widespread and systematic," including summary executions, torture and the recruitment of child soldiers.

Stricter regulation

The groups said their information came from credible sources and highlighted the urgent need for stricter arms controls.

The Advanced Light Helicopter was developed in association with Eurocopter Deutschland and is built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

According to the report, it would not be operational without vital components from EU member states, including rocket launchers from Belgium, rockets, guns and engines from France, brake systems from Italy; fuel tanks and gearboxes from Britain and protective equipment from Sweden.

German companies, meanwhile, are described as having been "crucial" to the development of the aircraft's design, while also manufacturing controls for the ALH's engine.

Ban violation

If the sale goes ahead, these six countries would be undermining an EU arms embargo on Burma in place since 1988.

Amnesty International's arms control researcher Helen Hughes says that the ALH case shows the need for tightening international arms controls.

"Greater attention has to be given to the end-use agreements and the re-export of components from EU member states," she said.

"Otherwise, these states could find themselves indirectly propping up a brutal regime which they themselves have condemned and whose violations have amounted to crimes against humanity."

While India itself is not subject to any such arms ban, the report calls on the EU to begin immediate talks with Delhi in order to try to prevent any sales of the ALH to Burma.