One year on, Ban calls on remaining States to join UN treaty regulating global arms
trade
April 3, 2014: Marking the first anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations
Arms Trade Treaty, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday called on all States
that have not yet done so to sign and/or ratify the instrument without delay to facilitate
its entry into force.
The treaty, adopted by the UN General Assembly last April,
for the first time sets global standards for the transfer of weapons and efforts to
prevent their diversion. It regulates all conventional arms within the categories
of battle tanks, armoured combat vehicles, large-calibre artillery systems, combat
aircraft, attack helicopters, warships, missiles and missile launchers and small arms
and light weapons.
Among other provisions, the treaty – which will enter into
force once it receives 50 ratifications – also includes a prohibition on the transfer
of arms which would be used in the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity
and certain war crimes.
“As we mark today’s milestone, the Secretary-General
is deeply concerned that civilians continue to be killed or maimed in targeted or
indiscriminate attacks with weapons that should not have reached the hands of the
perpetrators,” said a statement issued by his spokesperson. Mr. Ban called on States,
civil society, and international and regional organizations to continue working together
to ensure that the treaty can play its full role in helping to reduce needless human
suffering and build a safer world for all.
The UN chief is “heartened” that
118 States have signed the treaty, and welcomed the deposit today of instruments of
ratification by 18 Member States, which brings the number of deposited ratifications
to 31. Noting that this will generate further momentum towards the 50 ratifications
needed for the treaty’s entry into force, the Secretary-General called on all States
that have not yet done so to sign and/or ratify without delay.