Entry into force of the Arms Trade Treaty

Australia welcomes the entry into force of the Arms Trade Treaty - the first legally binding instrument negotiated in the United Nations to establish common standards for the international transfer of conventional weapons.

This treaty will help promote security, stability and economic development, including in the Indo-Pacific region, by preventing the diversion of weapons to terrorists and other criminal groups.

Australia is a long-standing supporter of the treaty. We were one of the seven co-authors of the original United Nations General Assembly Resolution calling for such a treaty in 2006.

I particularly acknowledge the leadership of Australian officials in guiding the Arms Trade Treaty from that first resolution in 2006 to its successful conclusion in 2013.

Since the treaty opened for signature on 3 June 2013, 130 states have signed and 60 have ratified it, reflecting the broad support for the treaty within the international community. Australia signed the treaty last year and ratified it on 3 June this year, becoming one of the first 50 states to do so.

Australia already has strong arms export controls in place and will continue to work closely with other nations in our region to help them strengthen their own national systems.