In a milestone move in the name of international diplomacy, Secretary of State John Kerry signed the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty to help regulate the worldwide trade of conventional arms. News of Kerry’s intent to sign on behalf of the U.S. came yesterday from the U.N. General Assembly currently underway in New York and the resolution will now move on to the Senate for ratification.

According to a press release from the Department of State, “The Treaty can help improve both U.S. national security and global security by reducing the risk that international transfers of conventional arms will be used to carry out the world’s worst crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.”

Though not stated blatantly, it’s suggested by the nature of the text and current state of American foreign affairs that the Arms Trade Treaty will also help to curtail any use of such weaponry by the Syrian government on its civilians and known rebels by limiting the amount and type of arms Russia can sell to the war-torn Middle Eastern country.

Some noteworthy points to consider of the Arms Trade Treaty are that it:

• “Will require States Parties to establish export and import control systems”
• “Recognizes the legitimate political, security, economic, and commercial purposes of the international trade in conventional arms, as well as the legitimate trade and lawful ownership and use of certain arms for recreational, cultural, historical, and sporting activities”
• ‘Reaffirms the sovereign right of any State to regulate conventional arms within its own territory according to its own legal or constitutional system”

It’s also important to consider that only “Iran, Syria, and North Korea voted against the Treaty” while Russia, which has seemingly and silently appeared to aid Syria with both arms sales and by blocking any U.N. intervention with regard to its internal conflict, noticeably abstained from voting in the resolution.

The United States Senate will face sure and adamant opposition in powerful lobbying groups like the National Rifle Association, a pro-gun organization aimed at promoting the protection of the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the right for citizens to bear arms. Still, the recent tragedy at the hands of a lone gunman at the Navy Yard in Washington D.C.’s front yard could be enough to sway locals and voters in personally adopting the accord.

So far, the only four countries to have ratified the treaty are Iceland, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, and Nigeria.