On December 24, 2024, we will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), a groundbreaking legal instrument that established international standards for regulating conventional arms transfers with the explicit goal of reducing human suffering. This historic milestone is a testament to the tireless efforts of campaigners, governments, and civil society to bring transparency and accountability to the global arms trade. Over the past decade, the ATT has made significant strides, yet it continues to face challenges that require renewed commitment from the international community.

Achievements Over the Decade

Since its entry into force, the ATT has seen significant progress in universalization and implementation.

With 116 States Parties and 26 signatories, the Treaty has gained broad support across all regions of the world. ATT States Parties have undertaken measures to align their national legislation with the Treaty’s provisions, enhancing the regulation of international arms transfers and promoting transparency. For example, some ATT States Parties have established comprehensive national control systems regulating the export, import, transit, and brokering of conventional arms, in compliance with Treaty obligations. Others have implemented export control laws and designated competent national authorities to oversee arms transfers. Additionally, States Parties have adopted national control lists, established mechanisms for end-user certification to prevent the diversion of arms, and strengthened their arms export licensing processes to include comprehensive risk assessments.

These efforts exemplify the ATT community’s commitment to responsible arms trade and the effective implementation of the Treaty’s provisions.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) establishing international standards to regulate arms transfers and reduce human suffering, significant challenges persist. A considerable number of major arms-producing states remain outside the treaty. Reporting compliance has been inconsistent, and some ATT States Parties have not fully adhered to its provisions, undermining its effectiveness. Over the past decade, weapons and munitions have continued to flow into brutal armed conflicts and situations of repression. Notably, some ATT States Parties have approved arms transfers into contexts where serious violations of international law have been documented, including Myanmar, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Sudan, and Yemen.

Control Arms calls for all States Parties to fully adhere to the ATT’s provisions and for the international community to strengthen mechanisms ensuring compliance, thereby upholding the Treaty’s fundamental goal of reducing human suffering.

Looking Forward

As we enter the second decade of the ATT, it is crucial to address these challenges. Enhancing transparency, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and encouraging universalization of the ATT are essential steps toward realizing the treaty’s full potential. The international community must renew its commitment to the ATT’s objectives to ensure it effectively contributes to reducing human suffering and promoting global peace and security.

On this milestone, Control Arms reaffirms its commitment to advocating for robust implementation of the ATT and calls on all States to intensify their efforts to uphold the ATT’s object and purpose: to reduce human suffering. It also urges states to join the Treaty if they have not yet done so, and to ensure its robust and meaningful implementation. By working together, we can continue to transform the global arms trade and make the vision of the ATT a reality: a safer world with less human suffering.

As we reflect on a decade of progress, we look forward to building on prior achievements and addressing ongoing challenges in the years to come.