National implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) require States Parties to strengthen their arms transfer control systems and implement measures for addressing the diversion of conventional arms. Today SIPRI is pleased to present a web-based tool for mapping activities aimed at building state capacity in these areas.
These ATT-relevant cooperation and assistance activities are carried out by states, international and regional organizations and NGOs. However, difficulties in coordinating these activities can lead to gaps in coverage or duplication of efforts.
In addition to helping key stakeholders build upon past projects, plan joint activities and avoid duplication of efforts, the new website Mapping ATT-Relevant Cooperation and Assistance will help the ATT Secretariat to fulfill its role of matching offers and requests for Treaty-related assistance.
The website contains both an activity database and a document database. The activity database provides information about past and ongoing ATT-relevant cooperation and assistance activities. The document database contains guidelines, regional instruments and other material that may be of assistance to states as they seek to implement the ATT.
The website was developed by SIPRI in cooperation with the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC), with funding from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
The activity database currently includes information on activities involving partner states in sub-Saharan Africa during 2011-2015. During 2016, SIPRI will work with the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) to expand the database to include activities involving partner states in Latin America and the Caribbean. SIPRI aims to expand the database to cover other regions.
In addition, states, NGOs, and regional and international organizations are invited to provide information—via a feedback form—on additional activities or documents that should be included on the website.
SIPRI has also produced a Background Paper, which gives an overview of the ATT-relevant cooperation and activities involving states in sub-Saharan Africa during 2011-2015. The Paper also provides suggestions as to how states, international and regional organizations—as well the ATT Secretariat—and NGOs can help fill gaps in the assistance provided to date.
Please visit the website at www.att-assistance.org.