MEXICO HOSTS THE FIRST CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TO THE ARMS TRADE TREATY IN CANCÚN BETEWWN THE 24TH AND 27TH OF AUGUST
As a demonstration of the Mexican government’s commitment to international peace and security, our country will host the first Conference of States Parties (1CSP) of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) from August 24-27 in Cancun, Quintana Roo. The conference will be attended by foreign ministers, senior officials from around the world, international organizations, regional organizations, civil society organizations, industry and academia, and by the former president of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Oscar Arias.
Foreign Secretary José Antonio Meade will chair the high-level segment of the conference. In addition to hosting the conference, Mexico has chaired the 1CSP preparatory process over the last year and acts as Interim Secretariat of the Treaty.
At present, the arms trade is regulated by an international legal framework thanks to the adoption of the ATT by the UN General Assembly on April 2, 2013 and its entry into force on December 24. During the 1CSP, the States parties will be responsible for implementing the treaty by constructing an institutional and procedural architecture.
Adoption of the ATT is a historic achievement. It is the first legally-binding international instrument that establishes common rules to regulate the transfer of conventional weapons, in order to promote responsible trade and prevent their diversion to the illicit market.
The ATT entered into force when it was ratified by 50 countries. To date, 130 States have signed, of which only 72 have ratified it. Mexico was one of the first countries to sign and ratify the treaty, on June 3, 2013 and September 25, 2013, respectively.
By hosting the 1CSP, the Mexican government renews its commitment to international peace and security, demonstrates its confidence in the effectiveness of multilateral forums, particularly the UN, and makes a significant contribution as an actor with global responsibility.
