On 2 April 2013, following a ten day conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York, a new Treaty on arms trade was adopted. The Arms Trade Treaty provides for the first time a prohibition on States from selling arms to countries when they know those weapons will be used to carry out genocide, crimes against humanity, grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 or other war crimes. It will also impose on States an obligation to minimise the risk that weapons would be diverted into the wrong hands or to the illicit market, and to adhere to robust, comprehensive and legally-binding standards.
The resolution was adopted by the UN General Assembly, with 154 yes votes, 3 no votes, and 23 abstentions.
The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore welcomed the adoption of the Treaty, stating “for too long, the global arms trade has operated in a wholly unregulated manner, with no internationally recognised rules, obligations or even guidelines for States. This has devastating consequences - exacting a heavy toll on lives, crippling economies, and deflecting precious resources away from sustainable development. Too often, the most vulnerable pay the highest price. This Treaty will change that. It contains important provisions that, if effectively implemented, will reduce human suffering and save lives."
Commenting on the adoption of the Treaty, Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland said “This is a truly historic moment. This Treaty can stop arms ending up in the hands of war criminals and human rights abusers. Amnesty International has been campaigning for two decades for this result and it’s an incredible achievement for a generation of activists, supporters and members.”
The Treaty will be opened for signatures and ratification on 3 June 2013 at the UN General Assembly and will enter into force shortly after it has been ratified by 50 states. The Tánaiste confirmed that Ireland will sign the new Treaty when it opens for signature on 3 June and will move quickly to ratify it domestically.
Click here to read Amnesty International Ireland’s Press Release
Click here to read the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Press Release
Click here to listen to Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland talk about the Treaty on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland