Troubling Times Require Courage in the ATT and Beyond

On 24–27 February 2025, delegations met in Geneva for the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Working Group meetings. The debates held under the Sub-Working Group on Current and Emerging Implementation Issues were among the highlights of the week. Delegations were able to have in-depth formal discussions about relevant concerns, including arms industries’ due diligence practices, the risk of conventional weapons being used to commit gender-based violence (GBV), and how the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) rulings and Human Rights Council’s (HRC) Special Procedures can inform the implementation of Articles 6 and 7 of the ATT.

However, it wasn’t without opposition that these debates took place. Some states insisted on trying to block these discussions under the argument that this would “politicise the ATT”. Luckily, a few delegations demonstrated commitment to making the ATT fit for purpose and defended their inclusion in the agenda. Now that the ATT is entering its second decade of implementation, this bravery will be very needed to prevent human suffering in times of increasing arms-related violence and conflicts worldwide.

Check out our coverage of the meeting in the ATT Monitor.