Switzerland ratifies the Arms Trade Treaty
Bern, 30.01.2015 - The Federal Council deposited its instrument of ratification for the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) with the United Nations in New York on 30 January 2015. The Treaty will enter into force in Switzerland after a period of 90 days.
The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 2 April 2013. In doing so, the international community reached agreement for the first time on legally binding international regulation of cross-border trade in conventional arms. The states parties of the treaty commit to introducing a national control system and to ensuring consistent, objective and non-discriminatory implementation of the treaty's obligations. The ATT thus contributes to the prevention of illicit trade in conventional arms. Responsible conduct by the states parties is expected to contribute to international and regional security and stability and to reduce human suffering (in particular that caused by violations of international humanitarian law and human rights). The treaty entered into force on 24 December 2014 with currently 130 signatory states, of which 61 have ratified the agreement.
For Switzerland the treaty enters into force 90 days after ratification. Therefore, after today's deposition of the instrument of ratification by the Federal Council, the treaty should enter into force in Switzerland on 30 April 2015. As part of ratification, Switzerland has declared that it will apply Articles 6 (prohibited transfers) and 7 (export assessment) immediately, as provided for in the treaty.
Together with the instrument of ratification the Federal Council has also deposited an interpretative declaration which specifies how Switzerland intends to interpret and apply several key provisions of the treaty. This is in keeping with the country's traditional role as an advocate for humanitarian concerns, in particular in regard to international humanitarian law and Switzerland's active peace policy. The details of the interpretative declaration of Switzerland can be found in the attachments to this press release.
Switzerland played an active role during the ATT negotiations and will continue to do so during the implementation of the treaty. For this reason, Switzerland is presenting Geneva as a candidate to host the secretariat of the Arms Trade Treaty which is to be established in accordance with the treaty.
Address for enquiries
Erwin Bollinger, Head Export Controls and Sanctions, SECO, tel. +41 58 462 23 46
E-Mail: erwin.bollinger@seco.admin.ch
Simon Plüss, Head Export Controls / War Material, SECO, tel. +41 58 464 50 36
E-Mail: simon.pluess@seco.admin.ch
Publisher
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
http://www.wbf.admin.ch
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html
