PH Reiterates Support for Responsible Global Arms Trade in Annual Conference 

The Philippines delivers its national statements during the Fifth Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty in Geneva on 26-30 August 2019. Top photo: Special Envoy for Transnational Crime Bruce S. Concepcion and Police Lieutenant Colonel Julius Silagan of the Firearms and Explosives Office. (Geneva PM photo)

GENEVA 17 September 2019 — A Signatory State to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the Philippines reiterated its support for responsible global arms trade and reported on efforts at treaty accession and implementation during the ATT’s Fifth Conference of States Parties (CSP5) in Geneva from 26 to 30 August 2019.

The Philippine delegation, led by the Office of the Special Envoy for Transnational Crime (OSETC), conveyed the country’s unequivocal support for the ATT’s principles and its commitment to vigorously pursue efforts at eventual accession.

In his statement, OSETC’s Special Envoy Bruce S. Concepcion highlighted the various ATT-related activities organized or participated in by the Philippines since the last CSP, which sought not only to enhance dialogue between government, industry and civil society stakeholders, but also to build the capacities of line agencies in preparation for treaty accession. In keeping with the CSP5’s thematic focus on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), he also shared the Philippines’ work in protecting and empowering women through the country’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

On treaty universalization, Special Envoy Concepcion called for an intensified outreach with regional groups, particularly in Southeast Asia, noting that only five ASEAN States are signatories to the ATT, with none having acceded so far.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) delegates led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Julius Silagan of the Firearms and Explosives Office reported on how the Philippines has benefited from capacity-building, exchange and cooperation projects with partner States, international, regional and non-governmental organization, underscoring the indispensable role of international cooperation and assistance in effective implementation.

The ATT, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 02 April 2013 and entered into force on 24 December 2014, currently has 104 States Parties. The Philippines, which signed the ATT on 25 September 2013, is currently one of the 33 Signatory States undertaking domestic processes for eventual treaty accession. END

For more information, visit https://www.genevapm.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinGenevaUN/.