Campaigners for the civil society coalition Control Arms say radical changes are still needed in the latest draft of the Arms Trade Treaty under negotiation at the UN.

Years of civil war and arms imports since the '80s have created a tough situation in Latin America, making prevention of weapons proliferation difficult.

Over 60 per cent of deaths in battle-related conflicts are caused by small arms, and billions of dollars are spent every year on small arms.

The WCC is holding a consultation in Ethiopia to strategize common priorities and actions to combat the proliferation of arms in the region.