CAAT - DSEi 2009

Revealed: UKTI DSO's DSEi invite list

UKTI DSO has invited 53 countries to DSEi, including at least 15 with serious conflict and human rights concerns or urgent development needs. The information was released after a Freedom of Information request by CAAT to UKTI DSO, the government body responsible for inviting delegates. Read the press release and download the full invite list

DSEi: Courtesy of UKTI

In September, DSEi, the world's largest arms fair, will return to London - with the political, financial and logistical support of the UK government.

What is DSEi?

DSEi (Defence Systems & Equipment International), is one of the biggest events on the international arms fair circuit, taking place every two years at the ExCel centre in London’s Docklands. It exists so that arms buyers and sellers can come together, network and make deals.

It is organised by Clarion Events and the Government department UK Trade & Investment's Defence & Security Organisation (UKTI DSO). UKTI DSO's support is crucial to the success of DSEi and its continued existence.

This year's event takes place from 8-11 September and will feature over 1,000 arms companies from around the world, displaying arms ranging from rifles to tanks to fighter jets to battleships. They will be joined by arms dealers, "trade visitors" and military delegations, including countries involved in conflict and human rights abuses, as well as those with desperately underfunded development needs. Adversaries will shop side-by-side for weapons to use against each other.

Stop DSEi: Drop UKTI DSO

This year, it's crucial we highlight the UK government's role in making DSEi happen. We must challenge the concept that helping private companies profit from conflict and insecurity - and organising events where human rights abusers, warring states and countries with desperate development needs can increase their armaments – is a 'legitimate' use of public resources.

Take action to expose the government's complicity in this devastating trade.