Key issues for ATT implementation: Preventing and combating diversion

Chair’s Interim Conclusions from deliberations of the Expert Group on ATT Implementation

In December 2014 the Arms Trade Treaty became international law; work must now be stepped up to ensure progressive interpretation and full implementation of the Treaty by all States Parties. In order to support this effort, Saferworld has established the informal Expert Group on ATT Implementation (EGAI) which involves work with a group of government and civil society experts to develop common understandings around Treaty implementation. The aim is to promote a clear appreciation of how the operational effectiveness of the Treaty can be maximised thus facilitating consistent and robust implementation.

In order to share the EGAI’s views on Treaty application and implementation amongst the widest possible audience, Saferworld is producing and disseminating a series of briefings from the EGAI process. The second of these briefings explores the problem of diversion of conventional arms, one of the principal ways in which those responsible for violations or abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law are able to procure weapons. The briefing examines the ATT’s multi-faceted response to the issue and makes recommendations for effective implementation of measures to prevent, mitigate and tackle diversion.

Read the briefing here: Key issues for ATT implementation: Preventing and combating diversion.

Read other briefings in our ATT Expert Group series.

“Diversion is often the crucial link between the authorised or legal trade and the illicit trade in arms. In many countries that are experiencing conflict, armed violence and arms proliferation, diversion is the means whereby those responsible for violations or abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law are able to procure weapons.”

Expert Group on ATT Implementation