The ATT is an attempt to regulate the international trade in conventional arms in order to contribute to international and regional peace; reduction of human suffering; and the promotion of cooperation, transparency and good governance by and among States. [3] [4] The Firearms Protocol aims to promote and strengthen international cooperation and to develop coherent mechanisms to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition (firearms). By ratifying or acceding to the Firearms Protocol, States undertake to take and implement a number of anti-crime measures to this end: in the same year, an open-ended working group held two meetings on an arms trade treaty. A total of six meetings of this group were planned. However, at the end of 2009, the United Nations General Assembly decided, by its resolution A/RES/64/48[20], to convene a conference on the Arms Trade Treaty in 2012 “with a view to developing a legally binding instrument on the highest possible common international standards for the transfer of conventional arms”. The decision was influenced by the change of position of the United States (the largest arms producer[21] and the only country to vote against Resolution 61/89), which took place after a change of leadership from George W. Bush to Barack Obama, provided that they were “under the rule of consensual decision required to ensure that all countries can be bound by norms, which will really improve the global situation.” [22] Proponents of the treaty argue that it refers only to the international arms trade and that it would have no bearing on existing national laws. [27] [28] [29] These proponents refer to the UN General Assembly resolution that launched the ATT process. The resolution explicitly states that it is “the exclusive right of states to regulate the internal transfer of arms and national property, including through the constitutional protection of private property.” Measures to prevent and suppress illicit trafficking in firearms, improve regional and international cooperation and related technical assistance measures Later in 2003, proposed by a group of Nobel Peace Prize laureates, the ATT was first discussed at the United Nations in December 2006, when the General Assembly adopted resolution 61/89 “Towards an arms trade treaty: establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms”. The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is a multilateral treaty that regulates the international trade in conventional arms.
The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) establishes common standards for the international trade in conventional arms and aims to curb the illicit arms trade. The treaty aims to reduce the human suffering caused by illegal and irresponsible arms transfers, to improve regional security and stability and to promote the accountability and transparency of States parties with regard to the transfer of conventional arms. The ATT does not restrict the types or quantities of weapons that can be purchased, sold or possessed by states. It also has no bearing on a state`s national gun control laws or other gun ownership policies. (a) To establish the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms and trafficking in firearms as a criminal offence in accordance with the requirements and definitions of the Protocol; (b) To take effective control and security measures, including the disposal of firearms, to prevent their theft and diversion in the illicit cycle (c) to establish a system of State permits or licences to ensure the lawful manufacture of firearms and the lawful trade in firearms; (d) Ensure adequate marking, registration and tracing of firearms and effective international cooperation to that end. In 2009, 151 UN member states voted to open negotiations on a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). If this happens, an ATT could establish common international standards for the import, export and transfer of all types of conventional arms, including small arms and light weapons.7 Inadequate controls on arms transfers have led to widespread availability and misuse of arms. A serious consequence is the interruption of vital humanitarian and development operations due to attacks on United Nations and other humanitarian personnel. In many areas of activity, the United Nations is facing serious setbacks, which are ultimately due to the consequences of a poorly regulated arms trade. We see weapons that target us while maintaining international peace and security, promoting social and economic development, supporting peacekeeping operations, supporting peacebuilding efforts, monitoring sanctions and arms embargoes, providing food aid or assisting internally displaced persons and refugees, protecting children and civilians, promoting gender equality or promoting the rule of law.
That is why the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty is so important for the entire United Nations system. Learn more about the impact of poorly regulated arms transfers on the work of the United Nations. October 1995: Dr. Oscar Arias calls on other Nobel laureates to work towards an international agreement to regulate the trade in conventional arms. On the 18th. In December 2006, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom for Multilateral Arms Control and Disarmament, John Duncan, formally introduced resolution 61/89, which requested the Secretary-General of the United Nations to express the views of States Members of the United Nations on the feasibility, scope and draft parameters of a “comprehensive and legally binding instrument for the establishment of common international standards for imports; Export and transfer of conventional arms”. and submit a report thereon to the General Assembly. 94 States presented their views as set out in report A/62/278 of 2007.
[13] Duncan spoke on behalf of the co-authors (Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, Finland, France, Japan and Kenya). Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Finland underlined its support for this effort, saying: “Every day, everywhere, people are affected by the side effects of irresponsible arms transfers. As there is currently no comprehensive binding international instrument to establish an agreed legal framework for this activity, the EU welcomes the growing support for an ATT in all regions of the world. [14] 94 States presented their position as set out in report A/62/278 of 2007. [13] The ATT is part of a larger global effort launched in 1997 by Costa Rican President and 1987 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Óscar Arias. This year, Arias led a group of Nobel Peace Prize laureates at a meeting in New York to offer the world a code of conduct for the arms trade. The group included Elie Wiesel, Betty Williams, the Dalai Lama, José Ramos-Horta, representatives of the International Doctors for the Prevention of Nuclear War, Amnesty International and the American Friends Service Committee. The original idea was to establish ethical standards for the arms trade, which would eventually be adopted by the international community. Over the next 16 years, the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress played a crucial role in approving the contract. For the position of each UN Member State on these and other small arms initiatives, votes cast, signed agreements and national reports submitted to the United Nations, first locate the country in the left column and then open the International Controls section. .