The ATT established the first global framework to regulate conventional weapons trade, aiming to reduce armed conflict and human suffering.
Key Facts
- Adopted by UN General Assembly
- 2 April 2013
- Entry into force
- 24 December 2014
- States ratified
- 116 states
- States signed but not ratified
- 26 states
- Global arms trade estimate
- 70 billion USD/year
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The unregulated international trade in conventional weapons, estimated at US$70 billion annually, contributed to armed conflict, human suffering, and instability. Concern over the lack of binding global standards prompted UN member states to pursue a multilateral treaty framework to impose accountability and transparency on arms exporters and importers.
Negotiations conducted in New York City under UN auspices during July 2012 and March 2013 failed to produce consensus in conference, leading the UN General Assembly to adopt the Arms Trade Treaty by vote on 2 April 2013. The treaty sets legally binding standards governing the international transfer of conventional weapons.
The ATT entered into force on 24 December 2014 after sufficient ratifications were received. With 116 states party to the treaty, it created an international legal regime requiring states to assess the potential humanitarian and security impacts of arms transfers before authorizing them, promoting greater transparency in global weapons commerce.
Political Outcome
The UN General Assembly adopted the Arms Trade Treaty on 2 April 2013; it entered into force on 24 December 2014 with 116 state parties.
No binding international legal framework regulated conventional arms trade
Multilateral treaty obligates state parties to assess and control arms transfers under international law