Reception on the occasion of the first 50 ratifications of the Arms Trade Treaty

Ambassador Kairamo
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen:

Ambassador Kairamo, thank you for the invitation to be here at your beautiful home, and for the opportunity to be part of the celebration of a positive disarmament development. And a very sincere thank you to Finland for the very active work on all aspects of disarmament here in Geneva.

Today has very much been a disarmament day. Earlier this afternoon some of us took part in the event to mark the first International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. And now we mark the first 50 ratifications and therefore the imminent entry into force of the Arms Trade Treaty. Two very different areas, with very different dynamics. But both show us – in different ways – how critical disarmament is to a safer world and our responsibility to act on this imperative. And I do hope that at some point – perhaps in the not too distant future – we will also be coming together for a positive event such as this one to mark progress on nuclear disarmament.

In my view, reaching the first 50 ratifications for the Arms Trade Treaty is hugely important for three main reasons:

First, it represents a very significant step forward in strengthening the rule of law in the field of trade and disarmament. Second, it shows the progress that we can make when Governments, international organizations and civil society join forces. We need this spirit also to take root in the Conference on Disarmament. In the CD, the ATT is often referred to as best practice, something to aspire to. I hope that it – with time – can inspire not just admiration but also action. Third, it is the first-ever global treaty to explicitly connect arms export decisions to an assessment of human rights in a country. This direct link with the human rights perspective is critical. We need to see more of this cross-fertilization between policy areas such as human rights and security issues. As a key venue for multilateral diplomacy and the home of both the Human Rights Council and the Conference on Disarmament, I believe that Geneva has particular potential to support such a cross-fertilization.

Congratulations to the States that have made the entry into force of the Arms Trade Treaty Possible. And I hope to see many more follow suit.

Thank you very much.