As we move into 2008, the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) process continues to gain momentum. Last year's overwhelming vote at the United Nations in favour of starting work towards an ATT has been followed this year by an unprecedented response to a Secretary General's consultation. Around 100 states submitted their views on the feasibility, scope, and parameters of a future ATT, with the vast majority concluding that the ATT was both necessary and feasible.

Large numbers of states also supported the need for a tough treaty, with over half of them claiming that the treaty needs to include considerations around human rights and International Humanitarian Law, and over 40 states suggesting that arms transfers that would have a negative impact on development should not be authorised. States were also bold in terms of the proposed scope of the treaty, with most suggesting that all categories of conventional weapons should be included, and a significant number proposing that the treaty should cover not only direct transfers, but also a broad range of associated activities, including arms brokering.

The next stage of the process will see a smaller Group of Government Experts discuss the ATT in more detail. The experts, from a broad range of states,* will meet three times in 2008, and will aim to send their report to the General Assembly First Committee in October 2008. We expect that the group, whose members include a disproportionate number from countries known to be sceptical to the idea of the treaty, will struggle to agree strong recommendations for moving the process forward. However, campaigners are hopeful that the Group will take on board the views of the overwhelming majority of states who are in favour of the treaty. Our hope is that they will conclude that the treaty is feasible, its scope should be broad, and its parameters should be based on states' existing obligations under international law, including their commitments to sustainable development.

* Countries who will have representatives on the Group of Government Experts:
Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, UK, USA