2013 was a year of highlights in the area of international arms control. The Arms Trade Treaty finally became a reality as 115 countries signed the landmark agreement and 9 countries officially submitted their ratification at the United Nations. On 9 January 2014, Malawi became the first to take action on the ATT in the new year. Ambassador Charles Msosa, Permanent Representative of Malawi to the United Nations, officially signed the treaty on behalf of his country becoming the 116th country to do so.
Malawi was a strong and consistent supporter of including small arm and light weapons (SALW) in the Treaty’s scope, as seen through speeches made in the lead up to the first Diplomatic Conference in July 2012 and support for joint statements during negotiations. The inclusion of SALW was one of the major wins for supporters of a strong ATT.
With the start of a new calendar year, Control Arms hopes to see many other countries sign – and ratify – the Treaty. 2013 was the year it was adopted, but 2014 can be the year it enters into force.
