Twenty-one investors with over $1.2trn (€847bn) in assets under management have called for a strong, legally binding and comprehensive Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) amid ongoing negotiations at the United Nations (UN)...Tim Goodman, associate director at Hermes Equity Ownership Service (EOS) said that the defence industry had faced "very difficult challenges", noting that the supply and use of its products could lead to "acute" human rights abuses. "We encourage companies to manage these risks appropriately but we also believe that international law can play a role in improving standards within the industry..." Goodman added...Investors said they view the ATT as a risk-reduction mechanism for arms producers to help prevent corporate complicity in human rights and humanitarian law violations. [refers to Danske Bank, F&C, Hermes Fund Managers, Legal & General, Mn Services]