Adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Resolution by the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly

October 31, 2009
Japanese

On October 31 (Sat) (October 30 U.S. time), the 64th session of the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Resolution which was jointly submitted by the Government of Japan along with the United Kingdom, Finland, Costa Rica, Argentina, Australia, and Kenya. The draft resolution was adopted by an overwhelming majority of 153 in favor to 1 against, with 19 abstentions.
The Government of Japan welcomes the adoption of this resolution. Through it, the discussion process will begin towards the elaboration of the treaty at the 2012 United Nations Arms Trade Treaty Conference.
Japan places great importance on the achievement of a strong and robust ATT, and plans to proactively contribute to the creation of an ATT while deepening discussions with many nations.
This resolution is scheduled to be put to vote at the UN General Assembly in December.

(Reference)

(1) The results of the voting were 153 in favor to 1 against (Zimbabwe), with 19 abstentions (including China, India, Pakistan, Russia, and the Arab Countries).

(2) The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is a treaty to establish the principles of regulating the international transfer (export and import, etc.) of conventional weapons. Fundamental discussions are scheduled to be held at the United Nations in the future. The supposed contents of the treaty include such subjects as ensuring that transfer takes place in accordance with the International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law and preventing weapons from entering illegal markets. The scope of a treaty includes conventional weapons including fighter aircraft, battleships, tanks, missiles, and small arms.

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