UN Passes Landmark Arms Treaty

The United Nations has approved a landmark treaty that sets international standards for trade in conventional weapons, by a vote of 154 to 3, with 23 abstentions. Big traders in arms including the US, Russia, China and India participated in the seven years of negotiations, reports Andre de Nesnera for Voice of America. The treaty establishes international standards and annual reporting on weapons trade. States would also have obligations to avoid trading with countries notorious for human rights violations. The treaty covers trade in ammunition, but includes no outright bans on specific weapons; it includes no enforcement mechanisms, yet NGOs anticipate a great deal of “moral pressure.” The Voice of America report concludes, “The pact will now be open for signature and will become part of international law once 50 countries ratify it.” - YaleGlobal