Support for the Implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty

This project aims to support the prevention and eradication of illicit arms transfers which fuel conflict and armed violence and undermine international peace and security human rights and humanitarian law. Specifically this project strengthens the efforts of stakeholders to effectively implement and universalize the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). This is accomplished by building a community of practice to better apply international standards governing the international trade in conventional arms and support and monitor the implementation of the Treaty. Project activities include: (1) providing insight and support to the Presidency of the ATT Conference of States Parties; (2) developing a methodology to identify and monitor progress on the Gender and Gender-Based Violence Action Plan (adopted at the 5th Conference of States Parties in 2019); (3) developing a policy paper on practical guidelines concerning violence against children as related to Article 7.4 of the ATT which requires States Parties take into account the risk of conventional arms transfers “being used to commit or facilitate serious acts of gender-based violence or serious acts of violence against women and children”; and (4) launching the 2022 annual report of the Arms Trade Treaty Monitor at the 8th Conference of States Parties and the United Nations General Assembly First Committee.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved effectiveness of ATT Conference of States Parties structures and frameworks; (2) improved sustainable engagement by diplomats and government officials in the ATT process; (3) improved rigour with which ATT States Parties apply gender considerations in ATT activities including related to the implementation of Article 7.4 of the ATT; and (4) improved quality and quantity of information in reporting practices by ATT States Parties.