Ten years ago, I was privileged to lead the effort to adopt an Arms Trade Treaty. Our goal was simple: to reduce the human suffering caused by the conventional arms trade. We wanted this to be a treaty that had impact through the provision of normative standards, and through greater international cooperation and transparency. The arms trade touches every country across the globe from major exporting and importing countries to small transshipment States, and from large, populated States to small island developing countries. The ATT was designed to have something for everyone in order to make its impact. The key, however, was always going to be effective implementation. 

I believe the commitment we demonstrated ten years ago was based on the recognition that this treaty and the standards it sets was long overdue. This Treaty is also important for the regions most effected by armed conflict and armed violence fueled by illicit trade in conventional arms — Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and in the Pacific. 

As I reflect on the work we did to negotiate the ATT, I can still see today that the ATT is a strong, balanced and effective treaty. It was the strongest draft in several years of negotiations, and it was agreed by an overwhelming number of States. I do not believe we could have got a stronger or more effective treaty and kept the major exporters and importers on board. We certainly could not negotiate this treaty today due to the geopolitical realities that challenge the international system. 

The treaty has made significant progress with 115 States Parties, the development of agreed processes and the provision of a forum to enhance international norms. But now is the time for boldness and clarity in ensuring a focus on the full and effective implementation of this treaty. To support those States that face critical challenges resulting from the flow of illicit and irresponsible arms. And to bring greater transparency to the arms trade, whereby States are prepared to discuss and explain their decisions. 

So there is still much to be done and this includes pushing towards universalisation. In bringing this treaty into force we made a commitment to those States and those vulnerable people most impacted by the unregulated and illicit trade in conventional arms.

We need to meet this commitment through the effective implementation of the treaty’s provisions. This will take time. That said, in the short term, the ATT changes how countries engage in the arms trade and think about their responsibilities when transferring arms around the world.

H.E. Ambassador Peter Woolcott, Former Ambassador of Australia to the United Nations, Geneva (ATT Conference President 2013)