Q&A: Global Arms Trade Treaty

After years of negotiation, the UN General Assembly is to vote on the first treaty to regulate the global trade in conventional arms.

Progress on the treaty, which is expected to be passed by a majority, was delayed by major arms exporters like the US, which only approved the idea in 2009 after Barack Obama was elected president.

Opposition from three states under existing arms sanctions - Iran, North Korea and Syria - prevented the treaty being adopted by consensus, so it went to a vote instead.

While the treaty will be greeted by peace campaigners as a step towards conflict resolution, sceptics question its real impact.

What does the treaty aim to achieve?

Which weapons are covered?

How will the treaty be enforced?

Can countries just ignore the treaty?

Why did Iran, North Korea and Syria try to block the treaty?

How have the top arms exporters reacted?

When will the treaty come into force?