Finland signed the  international Arms Trade Treaty

Press release 129/2013
3.6.2013

Foreign Minister Tuomioja signed the international Arms Trade Treaty on behalf of Finland today, on 3 June 2013 in New York. Finland is one of the seven initiators of the Arms Trade Treaty, together with Australia, Argentina, Costa Rica, Japan, Kenya and the United Kingdom.

Minister Tuomioja signing the treaty. Photo: UM.

The Arms Trade Treaty will enter into force after 50 ratifications. The ratification period started on 3 June 2013.

The Arms Trade Treaty regulates the international trade in conventional weapons and strives to prevent their illegal trade. The Treaty covers conventional weapons intended for military use and small arms, their ammunition, parts and components.

The Treaty is the first international agreement on the arms trade, and it contains strong regulations, based on human rights and international humanitarian law, prohibiting exportation as well as criteria to follow in controlling the export of conventional arms. 

Press release by the High Representatives of Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, Finland, Japan, Kenya and the United Kingdom (Opens New Window)

• Speech by minister Tuomioja in the signing ceremony of the Arms Trade Treaty(Link to another website.)

Twitter: #ArmsTreaty #ATT