Norway becomes eleventh State Party to the UN Arms Trade Treaty

Norway’s Ambassador to the UN, Geir Otto Pedersen, deposited on 12 February Norway’s instrument of ratification, which makes Norway a State Party to the Arms Trade Treaty. Mr Pedersen submitted the document during a meeting at the UN in New York.

The UN Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), adopted on 2 April 2013 by the General Assembly, enters into force 90 days after 50 states have deposited their instrument of ratification (their acceptance, or approval) with the UN.

Norwegian UN representatives with their initiative. (Photo: Vegard Tjørholm, UN-delegation)

“I am pleased that Norway has now formally acceded to the Arms Trade Treaty. We are the eleventh country to do so, which means that we are one of the frontrunners on this issue. The Arms Trade Treaty is important and Norway has given it high priority. I urge all countries to ratify the treaty as soon as possible so that it can enter into force,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.

The Arms Trade Treaty covers a wide range of conventional weapons, including ammunition and components of conventional weapons. The treaty also includes important prohibitions and criteria relating to export licences, to ensure that arms are not used to commit or facilitate violations of international humanitarian law or international human rights, or acts of organised crime, terrorism or gender-based violence in importing states.

“Norway views the Arms Trade Treaty as crucial for efforts to reduce armed violence and human suffering in many of the world’s conflict zones. Norway will work to ensure that the treaty is resolutely and effectively implemented, so that it becomes the humanitarian instrument we have envisaged,” said Mr Brende.