New York: The United Nations today welcomed entry into force of its Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons — the first multilateral nuclear disarmament treaty in more than two decades.
The treaty that came into effect today is an important step towards the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons and a strong demonstration of support for multilateral approaches to nuclear disarmament. It was in 2017 that the UN General Assembly had introduced a resolution to convene a United Nations conference to negotiate a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading towards their total elimination.
The U.N. treaty outlaws nuclear weapons and is ratified by at least 50 countries. However, nuclear powers including the U.S.A. have not yet signed the treaty. On 24 October 2020, the Treaty reached its fiftieth ratification, fulfilling the conditions of its entry into force. At the time, the Secretary-General said the Treaty represents a meaningful commitment towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons, which remains the highest disarmament priority of the United Nations.
“I commend the States that have ratified the Treaty and welcome the instrumental role of civil society in advancing negotiation and entry into force,” UN Secretary‑General António Guterres said here, and added: “I look forward to carrying out the functions assigned by the Treaty, including in preparation for the first Meeting of States Parties.”
Nuclear weapons pose growing dangers and the world needs urgent action to ensure their elimination and prevent the catastrophic human and environmental consequences any use would cause. The elimination of nuclear weapons remains the highest disarmament priority of the United Nations. “The survivors of nuclear explosions and nuclear tests offered tragic testimonies and were a moral force behind the Treaty. Entry into force is a tribute to their enduring advocacy,” Guterres said. He called on all States to work together to realise this ambition to advance common security and collective safety.
– global bihari bureau
