Malta was among the first group of 67 initial signatories to the Arms Trade Treaty during the signing ceremony at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Malta, along with the other EU states, had co-sponsored and voted in favour of the resolution which adopted the text of the treaty on April 2 at the United Nations General Assembly.

The ATT is an important instrument, particularly for the United Nations’ mandate to respond to international challenges to peace and security posed by the illicit trafficking of arms.

The Arms Trade Treaty’s signature process sends a powerful signal to the international community that the UN system is capable of delivering and meeting contemporary challenges affecting the security of all citizens of the world.

This landmark treaty establishes common international standards for the regulation of international trade in conventional arms and ammunition, as well as parts and components thereof.

It seeks to curb the illicit trade in conventional arms, further securing the weapons trade to a more responsible and transparent environment on a global scale, reduce human suffering, and tangibly contribute to international peace, security and stability.

Malta will continue to work closely with its European Union partners towards ensuring the swift entry into force, universalisation, and to support the effective implementation of the treaty by all UN states.

The treaty was signed by Malta’s permanent representative to the United Nations in New York.