ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF THE ARMS TRADE TREATY ON HUMAN SECURITY: REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Abstract

The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2013 and entered into force on December 24, 2014, is another important step forward for regulation of the trade in conventional arms and for mitigating some of the harmful effects of armed conflict on human security. This research article delves into the ATT’s implications for human security, emphasizing its role in preventing human rights abuses and promoting transparency and accountability in arms transfers. The ATT mandates comprehensive risk assessments by state parties before authorizing arms exports, ensuring that these transfers do not contribute to the human suffering or violate of international humanitarian law. By fostering international cooperation and robust national control systems, the treaty aims to curb the illicit arms trade, which exacerbates violence and hinders development, particularly in conflict-prone regions. The article highlights the ATT’s significance in integrating human security concepts into arms export controls, despite challenges in changing state behavior and the treaty’s limitations, such as the exclusion of non-state actors and emerging technologies. Through regional insights, the study examines the ATT’s impact on human security in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Identifying both successes and areas for improvement. This Article underscores the need for enhanced implementation strategies, political will, and international collaboration fully with the ATT is potential in safeguarding human security and promoting sustainable development in a world fraught with violence and instability.