Liberia, a strong and vocal champion for a robust ATT has officially joined the ranks of countries that have ratified the Treaty when Ambassador Marjon Kamara, Permanent Representative of Liberia to the United Nations, deposited the instrument of ratification on 21 April 2015. The West African State, whose citizens have firsthand experienced with the negative effects of the irresponsible arms trade, is the 10th country from Africa and the 67th overall to join the ATT.
The Liberian government has been a longtime supporter of the ATT and fought hard to make sure that the Treaty would be strong enough to make a difference on the ground. After the ATT entered into force, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf illustrated the importance of the Treaty for her country.
“I lead a country which is experiencing the terrible effects of more than 14 years of a devastating war with itself, one which destroyed tens of thousands of lives, and hundreds of millions of dollars in social and economic infrastructure. Our experience and that of other countries in Africa and other parts of the world showed that the ATT was needed to help reduce armed violence and wars that are fueled by irresponsible arms transfers. Even now, with the terrible health crisis affecting our country, we are still suffering the affects of a destroyed infrastructure, ”
President Sirleaf also gave an impassioned plea for governments during negotiations to “be bold in our work toward the ATT, ” calling it a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Watch the full video of President Sirleaf’s call to action.
With their latest action, Liberia is set to fully participate in the First Conference of States Parties (CSP) to be held in Mexico City in August. The conference will be critical in determining the future of the ATT. African voices played a vital role during negotiations of the ATT, and their contributions at the CSP will be just as important.
