Save the Children Statement on U.S. Decision on Arms Trade Treaty

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (April 26, 2019) – Save the Children strongly objects to today’s decision by the President to rescind the United States’ signature to the Arms Trade Treaty, a critical international agreement regulating arms transfers in order to preserve peace and security and to protect civilians.

The consequences of conflict have a disproportionate impact on children’s lives and international standards such as the Arms Trade Treaty are essential for their protection. This announcement is a step away from building a safer world and stands at odds with the humanitarian imperative for states to address human suffering.

From Afghanistan to Yemen to South Sudan, at least 420 million children are living in conflict zones around the world. These children deserve to live without the fear that the irresponsible transfer of weapons can create. The Arms Trade Treaty has made a positive impact and led governments and arms exporters to cease the provision of weapons to armed groups and militaries responsible for violating international human rights and humanitarian law.

The President should reconsider this harmful decision to withdraw support for the Arms Trade Treaty. We urge the U.S. government to recommit to protecting children in conflict by upholding international standards designed to safeguard civilians from the impact of war. 

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we’ve changed the lives of more than 1 billion children. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.