Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) is a UK-based organisation working to end the international arms trade.

The arms business has a devastating impact on human rights and security, and damages economic development. Large scale military procurement and arms exports only reinforce a militaristic approach to international problems.

In seeking to end the arms trade, CAAT's priorities are:

• -to stop the procurement or export of arms where they might:
  • -exacerbate conflict, support aggression, or increase tension
  • -support an oppressive regime or undermine democracy
  • -threaten social welfare through the level of military spending
• -to end all government political and financial support for arms exports
• -and to promote progressive demilitarisation within arms-producing countries.

CAAT considers that security needs to be seen in much broader terms that are not dominated by military and arms company interests. A wider security policy would have the opportunity to reallocate resources according to actual threats and benefits, including addressing major causes of insecurity such as inequality and climate change.

CAAT values the diversity of opinion amongst its supporters and is committed to nonviolence in all its work.

CAAT was awarded the Right Livelihood Award, the Alternative Nobel Prize, in 2012 for innovative and effective campaigning against the global arms trade

-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 their guidance for involvement in CAAT actions.

-How they are organised

CAAT has a non-hierarchical staffing structure. The ultimate decision-making body is its Steering Committee. It employs a small number of paid staff to oversee the day-to-day running of the campaign. They are supported by a large number of volunteers, without whom the campaign would not be able to function. Volunteers carry out a variety of tasks including helping with mail-outs, research, website maintenance and administration.

CAAT also has a network of local groups and contacts who play a vital role in communicating its message and strengthening its campaigns. There is also a special interest network – currently the Universities Network. CAAT's networks reflect the interest of particular groups of supporters at any given time. CAAT is open to the establishment of new networks if there is a strong call from a particular section of supporters.

-How they are funded

Donations from individual and group supporters make up about 80% of CAAT's income and are always gratefully received. As a campaigning organisation, CAAT is unable to take advantage of many of the benefits open to charities, but makes applications for charitable funding to a small number of trusts and foundations for its research and educational work.