International Humanitarian Law Instruments

Finland has ratified most of the key IHL-related treaties. However the ratification process is still in progress as regards International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

Finland highlights the importance of the ATT. Finland is one of the seven original co-authors of the ATT and worked actively for the Treaty throughout the preparatory and negotiating process. The ATT is a landmark treaty and a witness of Finland’s and other states’ will to regulate international arms trade and reduce irresponsible trade. Finland’s aim is a truly universal ATT with big and small arms exporters and importers in all continents as parties.

Finland serves as President of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) for the period of 2016–2017, ending in September 2017 at the third Conference of States Parties. As its main priorities Finland has promoted the universalization of the ATT e.g. through engagement with representatives of stakeholders on the Asian continent and the African continent.

Finland has also helped launching the ATT Trust Fund and supported it financially with 250 000 euros in 2016 and is planning to support it in 2017. Finland has contributed to starting the work of working groups under the ATT and is currently chairing together with Nigeria the working group for universalization.