The Republic of Korea became the 91st States Party to the Arms Trade Treaty,after depositing its ATT ratification instrument at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 28 November 2016. The Treaty will enter into force for the Republic of Korea on 26 February 2017 (90 days after ratification).

Control Arms welcomes the Republic of Korea’s ratification of the Treaty and hopes this event will create momentum and raise awareness regarding the ATT in the region. Currently the second ATT ratification in Asia, this region has had one of the slowest ATT Universalization rates.

South Korean delegate at the ATT Signing ceremony at the United Nations in New York on June 3, 2013 – Photo credit: Control Arms

“South Korea’s ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty will send a positive message in the region — this move can have a ripple effect within Asia. Despite having national security concerns at their border, South Korea joins the global community that aims to reduce human suffering caused by the unregulated trade of arms, giving us a confirmation that national security issues is not a hindrance to the universalisation and implementation of the ATT”, says Fred Lubang, Regional Representative of Nonviolence International Southeast Asia.

Control Arms hopes that the Republic of Korea will help pave the path for other Asian States to ratify or accede to the Treaty.

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