Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 12/2013

Saving Lives with Common Sense: The case for continued US support for the Arms Trade Treaty

Scott Stedjan

September 2013

Oxfam Publishing

Abstract

On September 25, 2013 US Secretary of State John Kerry signed the Arms Trade Treaty. The Arms Trade Treaty is a common-sense agreement that will have a positive impact on US security, civilians living in the midst of armed conflict or unstable environments, and poverty alleviation. By signing the Treaty, the Obama Administration took an important step toward a more secure world. Now is the time for the Senate to do its part and support this life-saving Treaty.