This morning, by a vote of 154 nations in favor (including the United States), 23 abstentions, and three against (Syria, North Korea, and Iran), the U.N. General Assembly adopted the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The treaty will be open for national signature on June 3, 2013, and will enter into force for its signatories when… Read more »
New Photo Service Tips Rf/ZUMA Press/Newscom Once again, this year’s U.N. Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)—ostensibly themed on the prevention of violence against women and girls—actually focused on expanding so-called sexual and reproductive rights for women and girls, including abortion. Prior to negotiations even beginning, media coverage preemptively pointed a finger at religion… Read more »
Chris Maddaloni/CQ Roll Call/Newscom At the United Nations, review continues of the latest draft of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) that was unveiled on Friday. The temperature of the conference is notably lower now, and there is a renewed sense that Thursday is likely to bring agreement on a treaty. True, the Arabs and others… Read more »
State Department/Sipa USA/Newscom On Friday afternoon—the traditional time to issue unpopular statements—U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry signaled the conditional commitment of the U.S. to the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The conditions were as important as the commitment: According to Kerry, the U.S. wants a “strong and effective Arms Trade Treaty” that “recognizes that… Read more »