Taking Stock of the Arms Trade Treaty: Universalization
Examining efforts made and identifying new approaches for supporting and improving Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) universalization strategies
August 2, 2021

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After six years of Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) implementation, and with the pace at which states are joining the treaty having slowed, the time is right to take stock of efforts to universalize the ATT. Universalization efforts to date have centered around adding as many new states parties as possible – not whether they are diverse, representative, or contributing to the development of standards and norms of responsibility, transparency, and accountability in the international arms trade. By taking stock of the status of ATT universalization; examining past, present, and future universalization efforts; and identifying challenges to universalization and strategies for overcoming them, this paper offers guidance for meaningfully expanding ATT membership without undermining the treaty’s aims.

Summary

The rate at which states are joining the 2013 Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) has naturally slowed. Universalization efforts have been carried out through a variety of different frameworks, both within the ATT regime—including the Working Group on Treaty Universalization (WGTU), a sponsorship programme and the Voluntary Trust Fund (VTF)—and by the United Nations, regional organizations and civil society. 

Universalization of the ATT contributes to the development of standards and norms in the international arms trade. If a party flouts the treaty’s requirements, it undermines the treaty and makes universalization less meaningful. Thus, universalization means both expanding the number of states parties and ensuring that they live up to their obligations. 

Read the full report here.

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