Adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty by the United Nations General Assembly

On April 2, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), marking a significant milestone in international efforts to regulate the global trade in conventional arms. The treaty was adopted with the aim of reducing illegal arms trafficking and ensuring that international arms transfers do not contribute to human rights abuses or exacerbate conflicts.

Background

The idea of regulating the international arms trade had been discussed for decades, with various non-governmental organizations and states advocating for a comprehensive treaty. The unregulated trade in conventional arms was seen as a major factor contributing to armed violence, human rights violations, and instability in many regions around the world.

The process leading to the adoption of the ATT began in earnest in 2006 when the UN General Assembly passed a resolution to establish a group of governmental experts to examine the feasibility of a treaty. This led to a series of preparatory committee meetings and negotiations, culminating in a final conference in March 2013.

Key Provisions of the Treaty

The Arms Trade Treaty establishes common international standards for the regulation of the international trade in conventional arms, including:

• Scope: The treaty covers a wide range of conventional arms, including battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, large-caliber artillery systems, combat aircraft, attack helicopters, warships, missiles, and small arms and light weapons.

• Export and Import Controls: States parties are required to establish and maintain a national control system to regulate the export, import, transit, and transshipment of conventional arms. They must assess the potential risks of arms transfers, including the risk of the arms being used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian or human rights law.

• Prohibitions: The treaty prohibits the transfer of arms if there is knowledge that the arms would be used to commit genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes.

• Reporting and Transparency: States parties are required to submit annual reports on their arms exports and imports, enhancing transparency and accountability in the international arms trade.

Adoption and Significance

The treaty was adopted by a vote of 154 in favor, 3 against (Iran, North Korea, and Syria), and 23 abstentions. The adoption of the ATT was hailed as a historic achievement in international diplomacy and a crucial step towards curbing the illicit arms trade.

Aftermath and Impact

The ATT entered into force on December 24, 2014, after receiving the required number of ratifications. As of 2023, over 110 countries have ratified the treaty, and many others have signed it, signaling their intention to become parties.

The treaty’s impact has been significant in promoting responsible arms trade practices and encouraging states to improve their national arms control systems. However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring universal adherence to the treaty and addressing the complexities of enforcement and compliance.

The ATT continues to serve as a vital tool in the global effort to promote peace and security by preventing the diversion of arms to conflict zones and non-state actors engaged in criminal activities.