The Secretary-General notes that one year ago today, the General Assembly adopted the landmark Arms Trade Treaty, which for the first time sets global standards for the transfer of weapons and efforts to prevent their diversion.

The Secretary-General is heartened that 118 States have signed the Treaty.  He welcomes the deposit today of instruments of ratification by 18 Member States, which brings the number of deposited ratifications to 31.  This will generate further momentum towards the 50 ratifications needed for the Treaty’s entry into force.  The Secretary-General calls on all States that have not yet done so to sign and/or ratify the ATT without delay.

As we mark today’s milestone, the Secretary-General is deeply concerned that civilians continue to be killed or maimed in targeted or indiscriminate attacks with weapons that should not have reached the hands of the perpetrators. 

The Secretary-General calls on States, civil society, and international and regional organizations to continue working together to ensure that the ATT can play its full role in helping to reduce needless human suffering and build a safer world for all.