Addressing Gender in the ATT Process

The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is the first legally binding global instrument to recognize and create obligations around the connection between arms transfers and gender-based violence (GBV). By requiring exporting States Parties to explicitly consider GBV in export assessments, the ATT creates a unique opportunity for States to meaningfully contribute to global efforts to reduce arms-related GBV. The fifth Conference of States Parties (CSP5) recommended actions relating to gender in the context of representation and participation in all future CSP meetings, increasing understanding of the gendered impact of armed violence in the context of the ATT, and implementing gender-based violence risk assessment criteria.

In advance of the eighth Conference of State Parties, this event will take stock of progress made, examine how subsequent CSP meetings have discussed gender, and assess what practical steps have or have not been taken to keep the momentum of CSP5’s decision moving forward. Discussions will also include reflections on the recent UNPoA gender outcomes at BMS7 and from licensing officers about the challenges, opportunities, and resources they find in their day-to-day work as it relates to gender and gender-based violence.