Czechia welcomes new States Parties and supports Arms Trade Treaty universalization
30.08.2019 / 13:21 | Aktualizováno: 30.08.2019 / 13:36
Deputy Head of the Mission, Michal Kaplan, delivered a statement at the Fifth Conference of States Parties (Geneva, 26-30 October 2019) to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). He appraised the progress made towards the universalization of the treaty, stressed the need for thorough implementation by all parties, and expressed the readiness of the Czech Republic to assist through voluntary financial contributions.
This year’s thematic discussion focused on gender and gender-based violence. In this regard, the Czech Republic aligned itself with statements delivered by Argentina and the EU, recalling that the ATT is the first arms regulation treaty which recognizes the link between arms transfers and gender-based violence.
Under the Latvian Presidency, the treaty reached a symbolic milestone of 100 States Parties. The continuing growth of membership was welcomed as a sign of vitality and continuing relevance of this important multilateral instrument. However, the Czech Republic emphasized in its statement that some of the major arms exporters still remain outside the treaty.
The ATT entered into force on 24 December 2014 and its purpose is to regulate the international trade in conventional arms, prevent the misuse of arms, and thereby contribute to the international peace and security. As of 30 October 2019, a total of 104 states have ratified the treaty.