Debated in Parliament on 6 Mar 2026.
Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik questioned the Minister for Foreign Affairs about Singapore's plans to ratify the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the timing of such ratification, the government's assessment of arms trade, and the use of Singapore-origin arms in serious international crimes. Vivian Balakrishnan stated that while Singapore has signed the ATT, it has not yet ratified it, emphasizing the need for proper legal and policy frameworks first. He highlighted Singapore's participation in international initiatives to combat illicit arms trade, strict compliance with international obligations, and commitment to action against violations of export controls. The Philippines is currently the only ASEAN country that has ratified the ATT.
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) whether Singapore plans to ratify the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT); (b) if so, when; (c) what is the Government's current assessment of Singapore's arms trade; and (d) whether any Singapore-origin conventional arms have been used to commit genocide, crimes against humanity or violations of international humanitarian law.
As a signatory to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), Singapore takes our obligations under the ATT seriously. We recognise the importance of regulating international trade in conventional arms and support global efforts to prevent illicit trade and the diversion of such trade. Our approach is to ensure that the necessary legal, policy and institutional frameworks are in place before ratifying the treaty. Within ASEAN, only the Philippines has ratified the ATT.
While Singapore has not yet ratified the ATT, we contribute to international initiatives to combat unlawful arms trade. This includes participating in the United Nations (UN) Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons and the International Tracing Instrument.
Singapore complies strictly with our international obligations on international arms sales as well as UN sanctions. This includes submitting regular reports to the UN Register of Conventional Arms since 1993, which is on public record.
The Government remains firmly committed to our international obligations and will not hesitate to take action against any individual or entity which contravenes our export control regime.