Belize became the 64th country to join the Arms Trade Treaty when they deposited their instrument of ratification on 19 March 2015 at UN Headquarters. Belize joins nine other members of the Caribbean Community in ratifying the ATT and will officially become a State Party to the lifesaving treaty 90 days after their date of deposit.
While Belize is neither a significant arms importer nor exporter, the small country knows the impacts arms and ammunition can have when they fall into the wrong hands. During ATT negotiations a government representative called the diversion of arms to the illegal black market “a devastating impact to which my country bears witness on a daily basis.”
Belize is now set to join the First Conference of States Parties from the 24th to 27th August.
Photo: INSIDER IMAGES/Keith Bedford
