When 22 of the 34 countries least likely to achieve the MDGs are in the midst or emerging from conflict, it is not hard to see the importance of peacebuilding for development. On Monday 19 October at the UN Oxfam will be bringing experts together to debate with states just how strong international standards to regulate the arms trade can reinforce efforts for peace happening all around the world.

We know from recent research that 2000 people a day around the globe are dying as a result of armed violence, both through direct attacks and when they cannot get the healthcare or food they need.

When people do take steps to end conflict, in the first months and years of fragile peace the steps taken to disarm ex-combatants and foster a new way of life for old enemies is crucial. But often the arms continue to flow into these regions even as they are taken out of the population through disarmament.

As one former UN Commander of a peacekeeping force said of disarmament; “You had the feeling that you were mopping the floor when the tap was open. One moment you disarm a group, and then a week later the same group has fresh arms and ammunition”.

A robust Arms Trade Treaty would require exporters to look at each arms trade and whether there is a risk that it is going to aggravate armed violence or undermine peacebuilding efforts. Without strong global standards peacekeeping, peacebuilding and efforts by the UN, humanitarian agencies and community organisations themselves risks being wasted.

Join the debate and bring your views to the discussion by joining the online live on http://conflictvoice.org