Lithuania joins Arms Trade Treaty that enters into force next week

Lithuania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Raimonda Murmokaitė deposited the instrument of ratification for the treaty on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry said.

When authorizing exports, the states-parties will also have to consider whether the export could undermine international peace and security, be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law or human rights, or acts relating to terrorism and transnational organized crime.

“Lithuania is very happy to join a constantly increasing number of countries that ratified the Arms Trade Treaty. We are particularly glad to join before it enters into force,” said Lithuania’s permanent representative.

Murmokaitė stressed that transparency in arms trade was indispensable in order to achieve the key purpose of the Arms Trade Treaty – reducing human suffering.

The treaty will come into force on 24 December. Lithuania was the 59th country to ratify the treaty.