A human rights watchdog kicked off a campaign this week in a bid to raise awareness about the flow of arms to Africa.

Amnesty International has always been concerned about the lack of strict controls on the arms trade and providers of military, security and police (MSP) equipment, training and personnel to Africa, said the group leader and board member of the organisation's local branch Ayo Johnson.

"Poor control of such transfers contribute to grave human rights violations throughout Africa,'' he added.

"It's highly appropriate for the peoples of Bermuda and the Caribbean, the majority of whom are of African descent, to get involved in campaigning and lobbying actions to encourage western government to review practices and tighten controls.'' The campaign will run throughout Amnesty International Week which began on October 18 and ends October 25.

Amnesty International has produced a newspaper called The Terror Trade Times which highlights the human rights implications of unregulated MSP transfers to the continent.

Countries singled out for human rights violations which occur in connection with such transfers include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Togo, Senegal, Sierra Leone and South Africa.

Amnesty widely distributed its message to journalists, parliamentarians, other opinion makers and the general public throughout the Caribbean region during this week.

Other actions to be undertaken include one-on-one discussion with government representatives. a letter writing campaign aimed at countries implicated in providing MSP goods to human rights violators, public meetings, demonstrations and vigils outside selected embassies plus media approaches.

The Caribbean branches of the organisation will be asking governments to stand up and be counted on the international arena regarding MSP transfers to Africa.