Understanding the Arms Trade Treaty from a Humanitarian Perspective

The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) entered into force in December 2014. Through this treaty, States set common international standards for the transfer of conventional arms and ammunition, with the express purpose of reducing human suffering.\r\nThis publication provides an overview of the ATT’s background, its object and purpose and its main requirements. It presents and explains the ATT’s major elements, and offers the ICRC’s recommendations regarding the implementation of those provisions of the treaty that are most relevant to achieving its humanitarian purpose.