Almost half the world's governments have demonstrated their continued support for a tough Arms Trade Treaty this month, by submitting a formal position on the initiative to the United Nations Secretary General.

So far, over 80 states have responded to a consultation being run by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon on various aspects of the treaty, with more expected to submit their views before the deadline at the end of June. While not all of those states agree on the exact shape and scope of the treaty, there is broad agreement on the need for tough international controls on the arms trade.

Crucially, there was also broad consensus on the need for the criteria, which will form the heart of the treaty, to include respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. All governments must now agree to prevent sales of arms if they are likely to be used for serious violations of international human rights or humanitarian law.