The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs for Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, will be attending a high-level segment of the first Conference of States Parties of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) taking place in Cancun from 24 to 27 August 2015.
The ATT was first adopted in 2 April 2013 by the General Assembly of the United Nations after seven-year-long negotiations by 154 votes for to 3 votes against and 23 abstentions. This then came into force on 24 December 2014, 49 days after the date of the deposit of the fiftieth instrument of ratification, acceptance and approval with the UN. This signified a fast entry into force a mere 18 months after it was opened to signatures. Luxembourg itself ratified the treaty on 13 May 2014 and deposited its instrument of ratification on 3 June 2014, a year after the signature of the treaty.
TCA is a legally binding universal instrument, setting the highest possible common standards for export controls, import and transfer of conventional weapons. The Treaty represents a significant step forward for international law, international humanitarian law and human rights. Luxembourg is reportedly particularly in favour of the clause of the Treaty prohibiting the transfer of conventional arms if the State party authorising the transfer is aware that these weapons would be used for the purpose of committing acts of genocide, crimes against humanity or other serious violations of human rights.
The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs also reported that Minister Asselborn will take the opportunity whilst in Cancun to meet with his Mexican counterpart, José Antonio Meade Kuribreña for a bilateral meeting. Besides issues related to the treaty on the arms trade, the ministers reportedly intend to discuss the state of bilateral relations and cooperation between the EU and Mexico as well as the records of the international politics.
Photo by Artur Leonardo Kurkowiak (Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn)
