OPENING FOR SIGNATURE OF THE ARMS TRADE TREATY

On 3 June 2013, the first international treaty regulating the global arms trade in conventional arms opened for signature at UN Headquarters. The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which was approved overwhelmingly by the General Assembly two months ago, will come into force 90 days after it has been signed by 50 nations.

About the Arms Trade Treaty

OPENING FOR SIGNATURE OF THE ARMS TRADE TREATY

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses the ministerial segment of the opening of the Arms Trade Treaty for signature.

Secretary-General's statement

OPENING FOR SIGNATURE OF THE ARMS TRADE TREATY

Peter Woolcott, President of the Final UN Conference on the ATT, which successfully negotiated the treaty, speaks at the special event marking the treaty's opening for signature.

Ambassador Woolcott's statement (PDF)

OPENING FOR SIGNATURE OF THE ARMS TRADE TREATY

Angela Kane (centre), UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, speaks at the special event marking the opening for signature of the treaty. On her right is Peter Woolcott, President of the Final UN Conference on the ATT, which successfully negotiated the treaty. On her left is Daniël Prins, who was Secretary-General of the Conference, and is the Chief of UNODA's Conventional Arms Branch.

High Representative Kane's statement (PDF)

OPENING FOR SIGNATURE OF THE ARMS TRADE TREATY

Anna Macdonald, Oxfam's Head of the Control Arms campaign, speaks at the special event marking the opening for signature of the ATT.

Ms. Macdonald's statement (PDF)

OPENING FOR SIGNATURE OF THE ARMS TRADE TREATY

Christine Beerli, Permanent Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, speaks the special event marking the opening for signature of the ATT.

Ms. Beerli's statement (PDF)

OPENING FOR SIGNATURE OF THE ARMS TRADE TREATY

H.E. Alfio Piva-Mesén, First Vice-President of Costa Rica, signs the Arms Trade Treaty on behalf of his country. 67 Member States signed the treaty on the first day of its opening for signature, and several more have signed since.

Statements and photos from the signing event