Anti-Corruption in a UN Arms Trade Treaty

Summary: • there is a material risk that the stronger controls over arms exports that are expected to result from the Arms Trade Treaty will be undermined by corruption; • the Treaty should recognise this by including a requirement on exporting states to consider the risk of corruption alongside the other factors they will take into account in deciding whether or not to approve individual arms exports; • this requirement needs to be built into the Treaty at the level of parameters/criteria which will facilitate practical and uncomplicated implementation • States are urged to seek appropriate language to achieve this. A draft is suggested.