For the first time in history, a legally binding instrument has established a common legal framework for the international transfer of conventional arms and, consequently, universal legal standards for the arms trade in one of the few areas of global trade that have so far escaped control. The treaty has the power to reduce human suffering and contribute to international peace, security and stability. To be honest, it`s a performance I didn`t expect it to witness. I never thought that an idea that first took shape so many years ago would be part of international law in my lifetime. The revolutionary Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) adopted in April 2013 is the first global treaty to govern the conventional arms trade.