The ATT would be a legally binding agreement between States that they will all use the same high standard criteria in assessing whether to export conventional arms. This will help regulate the global arms market to prevent weapons reaching the hands of terrorists, insurgents and human rights abusers.

The Foreign Secretary said:

“The United Nations has taken a major step towards securing the first ever Arms Trade Treaty today. This groundbreaking achievement is a defining point in the work that has been led by a global coalition including the United Kingdom over the last three years towards a treaty that will save lives, safeguard human rights and support development across the world.

I very much welcome the overwhelming majority vote in favour of beginning negotiations next year setting a clear timetable towards a UN Conference in 2012 which will finalise the text of a strong Treaty. By seizing this opportunity together we can address the problems caused by the lack of international regulation of the conventional arms trade. 

Working closely with our government, civil society and industry partners the UK will continue to support the UN process towards a strong global ATT.”

Notes for Editors

• There will be a second vote to confirm this Resolution in the General Assembly later this year but this is expected to reflect closely the outcome on 30 October. The first Preparatory Committee meeting which will start negotiation of the text is expected to be held in July 2010. 
• Further Preparatory meetings will be held up to 2012 when the UN will convene a Conference to finalise  the treaty text building on the work of the earlier meetings. The global coalitions leading the ATT are Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, Finland, Japan, Kenya and the UK.

Read more about the Arms Trade Treaty

United Nations website

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