Why did the Arms Trade Treaty happen?

The treaty aims to reduce human suffering caused by illegal and irresponsible arms transfers, improve regional security and stability, as well as to promote accountability and transparency by state parties concerning transfers of conventional arms.

Is the arms trade treaty legally binding?

The ATT is the first legally binding instrument negotiated at the UN aimed at eliminating the illicit trade of conventional arms and preventing their diversion, through the establishment of a set of common international standards that regulates the international transfer of conventional arms.

Is the arms trade treaty effective?

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the treaty in 2013 and the Obama administration foolishly signed it in 2014. The treaty supposedly is intended to impose common standards for the international sale of arms. So by their own standard, the Arms Trade Treaty has been a complete failure.

Is US part of arms trade treaty?

The treaty establishes common standards for regulating international arms transfers. Today, 105 countries are party to the treaty and another 33 have signed it; it entered into force in December 2014. The United States signed the treaty in September 2013, but the Senate never ratified it.

Why do countries engage in arms trade?

First, advocates argue that arms sales enhance American security by bolstering the military capabilities of allies, enabling them to deter and contain their adversaries, and helping promote stability in critical areas like the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Why do countries trade weapons?

Implemented effectively, the international Arms Trade Treaty will promote justice, peace and security and is in the interests of all states, and those who suffer from the scourges of armed violence and conflict.

What are some of the legitimate reasons for the arms trade in your opinion?

for the purpose of:

• Contributing to international and regional peace, security and stability;
• Reducing human suffering;
• Promoting cooperation, transparency and responsible action by States Parties in the international trade in conventional arms, thereby building confidence among States Parties.”

How much is the global arms trade worth?

SIPRI makes a separate estimate of the financial value of the global arms trade, which was at least $95 billion in 2017. A 2018 paper by CAAT Researcher Sam Perlo-Freeman gave a similar estimate, with a range of $88-$105 billion as the average annual total from 2012 to 2016.

Is India part of arms trade treaty?

However, India has not signed the Treaty on the grounds that it is weak on terrorism and non-state actors and these concerns find no mention in the specific prohibitions of the Treaty.

What is the impact of the arms trade on security?

1 Irresponsible and illegal arms trading contributes to human insecurity in various ways: it hampers political life, disrupts health services, and leads to poor food and environmental security.

Why is the United Nations arms trade treaty important?

The UN Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) has the ambitious aim of responding to international concern that the $70 billion a year trade in conventional weapons leaves a trail of atrocities in its wake. The treaty calls for the international sale of weapons to be linked to the human rights records of buyers.

How many states have signed the arms trade treaty?

On September 25, the United States became the 91st state to sign the Treaty. As of October, 113 states have signed and 7 states have ratified it. The Arms Trade Treaty will enter into force following ratification by 50 states.

Is there an internationally binding arms trade treaty?

As there is currently no comprehensive internationally binding instrument available to provide an agreed regulatory framework for this activity, the EU welcomes the growing support, in all parts of the world, for an ATT.” 94 States submitted their views, which are contained in the 2007 report A/62/278.

How many countries have signed the ATT Treaty?

As of July 2019, 104 states have ratified or acceded to the ATT, including five of the world’s top 10 arms producers (the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain).