Art.20 Amendments

Subject(s):

Human rights remedies — Arms control — International trade — Humanitarian intervention — International peace and security

This chapter explores Article 20 of the ATT, which sets out the procedure by which states parties may amend the treaty. The possibility of amendment is often included in a multilateral treaty. According to paragraph 1 of Article 20, six years after the entry into force of the treaty, any state party may propose an amendment to this treaty. This will first be possible on 24 December 2020. A reason for waiting six years before amendments can be considered is presumably to allow time for states parties to implement the treaty and consider any lessons learned before trying to amend it. As a result of this provision, this is a treaty that can adapt to changing circumstances and realities. A proposed amendment must be submitted in writing to the treaty Secretariat established in accordance with Article 18.