Art.1 Object and Purpose

Subject(s):

Human rights remedies — Arms control — Regional co-operation — Self-defence — Humanitarian intervention — International peace and security

This chapter examines Article 1 of theATT, which sets out the objectives and purpose of the ATT. The provision is divided into two parts, the first of which outlines the ‘object’ of the treaty, while the second part summarizes the ATT’s ‘purpose’. Article 1 sets the ‘highest possible common international standards’ for regulating the international trade in conventional arms; preventing and eradicating illicit trade and preventing diversion are stipulated as the treaty’s object. The purpose of the ATT is to contribute to international and regional peace, security, and stability; reduce human suffering; and promote co-operation, transparency, and responsible action by states parties in international trade in conventional arms, thereby ‘building confidence’ among them.