Annotation:
This statement from by the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (the Committee) begins by establishing that gender-based violence against women is a form of discrimination that can seriously inhibit womens ability to enjoy rights and freedoms. The Committee encourages international efforts to establish a legally-binding Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) at the United Nations, as the arms trade is directly linked to gender-based violence against women and proliferation of arms and ammunition perpetuates the violence and abuse women are subjected to during times of conflict. The Committee emphasizes that the main focus of the ATT should be to prevent human suffering caused by the arms trade, especially among vulnerable groups such as women and children.