Ratification Plans of Arms Trade Treaty and Usage of Singapore-Origin Conventional Arms in International Crimes
Ministry of Foreign AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Singapore’s plans to ratify the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and whether Singapore-origin arms have been used in international crimes. Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik inquired about the timeline for ratification and the Government’s assessment of its conventional arms trade. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan stated that Singapore is preparing necessary legal and policy frameworks before ratifying and strictly complies with United Nations sanctions and international obligations. He highlighted that Singapore has reported to the UN Register of Conventional Arms since 1993 and participates in global initiatives against illicit arms trade. The Government remains committed to enforcing its export control regime and will take action against any individuals or entities found in contravention.
Transcript
8 Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) whether Singapore plans to ratify the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT); (b) if so, when; (c) what is the Government's current assessment of Singapore's arms trade; and (d) whether any Singapore-origin conventional arms have been used to commit genocide, crimes against humanity or violations of international humanitarian law.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: As a signatory to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), Singapore takes our obligations under the ATT seriously. We recognise the importance of regulating international trade in conventional arms and support global efforts to prevent illicit trade and the diversion of such trade. Our approach is to ensure that the necessary legal, policy and institutional frameworks are in place before ratifying the treaty. Within ASEAN, only the Philippines has ratified the ATT.
While Singapore has not yet ratified the ATT, we contribute to international initiatives to combat unlawful arms trade. This includes participating in the United Nations (UN) Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons and the International Tracing Instrument.
Singapore complies strictly with our international obligations on international arms sales as well as UN sanctions. This includes submitting regular reports to the UN Register of Conventional Arms since 1993, which is on public record.
The Government remains firmly committed to our international obligations and will not hesitate to take action against any individual or entity which contravenes our export control regime.