United Nations Arms Trade Treaty Passed.

In the last few minutes the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has passed The Arms Trade Treaty by a margin of 154 votes in favour, 3 against with 24 abstentions. I'm still trying to track down a list of how each nation voted and which 13 nations of the UNGA simply didn't bother turn up. However I suspect the three votes against were from Iran, Syria and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) who blocked the treaty a committee stage forcing the UNGA vote.

All this UNGA vote means is that nations are now free to chose whether or not to sign up to the treaty. It is worth noting that the US did vote in favour but most certainly won't be signing up to the treaty as it - especially the provisions covering small-arms and ammunition - seem inconsistent with the second amendment to the US Constitution. However small nations - especially those in Africa - who voted in favour of the treaty will now come under heavy pressure to sign up to and implement the treaty.

Those who happily break international arms treaties will of course continue to happily break this treaty.

16:10 on 2/4/13.