Actions taken:
Finland has ratified most of the key IHL-related treaties. However, the ratification process is still in progress regarding the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
Finland highlights the importance of the ATT. Finland is one of the seven original co-authors of the ATT and worked actively for the Treaty throughout the preparatory and negotiating process. The ATT is a landmark treaty and a witness of Finland’s and other states’ will to regulate international arms trade and reduce irresponsible trade. Finland’s aim is a truly universal ATT with big and small arms exporters and importers in all continents as parties.
The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is the first international, legally binding instrument to establish the highest possible standards for regulating international trade in conventional arms. Finland strongly supports the implementation and universalization of the ATT. The Treaty makes explicit reference to the obligation to ensure respect for IHL in its principles, which States Parties are required to take into account in implementing the treaty.
Finland served as President of the ATT for the period of 2016-2017. Finland promoted the universalization of the ATT as its main priority.
Finland has also helped in launching the ATT Trust Fund and has supported it with 250 000 euros in 2016 and 300 000 euros annually in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Finland has also contributed to starting the work of working groups under the ATT and chaired the working group for universalization together with Nigeria.
Finland held the Presidency of Protocol V of the CCW in 2019.
