The minister, while tabling the motion asked for permission to proceed with the signing of the treaty and then the ratification.
He said the treaty aims to reduce human suffering caused by illegal and irresponsible arms transfer, improve regional security and stability, as well as promote accountability and transparency by state parties engaged in transfer of conventional arms.
“The objective of the Arms Trade Treaty among other things is to establish the highest possible common international standards for regulating or improving the regulation of the international trade in conventional arms; prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in conventional arms and prevent their diversions for the purpose of contributing to international and regional peace, security and stability, reducing human suffering, promoting cooperation, transparency and responsible action by States Parties in the international trade in conventional arms, thereby building confidence among States Parties,” he explained.
He further elaborated that the Treaty required countries to prohibit arms transfer authorisation to states if the transfer would violate obligations under measures adopted by the United Nations Security Council acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.
The Treaty also placed the obligation on the respective states to assess the potential that arms exported would contribute to or undermine peace and security or could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international law.
