January 22nd is a stark reminder of the progress we are making on our long journey to nuclear disarmament.
More than fifty countries have ratified the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, often referred to as the Nuclear Ban Treaty, showing us that collective action can make a real difference in the world. Let’s celebrate this milestone, recognize this achievement and commemorate this great victory for humanity. This Call To Action post provides an opportunity to learn more about what this treaty means, and how you can participate in activities commemorating Nuclear Ban Treaty Day.
Background: The Origins of Nuclear Ban Treaty Day
The UN General Assembly has declared 22 January as the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. This day commemorates the adoption of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in 1968. The NPT is a vital international agreement that seeks to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, and to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
September 26 also marks the anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in 1996. The CTBT bans all nuclear explosions, by everyone, everywhere. To date, 183 states have signed the CTBT and 164 have ratified it, including the five original nuclear weapon states: China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States.
The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons provides an opportunity for everyone to reaffirm their commitment to working towards a world free of nuclear weapons.
The UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
The United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, also known as the Nuclear Ban Treaty, is an agreement between nations to prohibit the use, development, and stockpiling of nuclear weapons. The treaty was adopted by the UN General Assembly on July 7, 2017 and came into force on January 22, 2021. As of March 2021, 54 nations have signed the treaty and 22 have ratified it.
The Nuclear Ban Treaty is an important step towards achieving a world free of nuclear weapons. It sends a strong message to nuclear-armed states that their weapons are unacceptable and illegal. The treaty also creates new norms and standards that will make it more difficult for states to develop or maintain nuclear weapons.
Critics of the Nuclear Ban Treaty argue that it does not adequately address the threats posed by nuclear-armed states such as Russia and China. They also argue that the treaty will not lead to the elimination of nuclear weapons because it does not include provisions for verification or enforcement.
Significance and Impact of the Nuclear Ban Treaty
The Nuclear Ban Treaty, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 7 July 2017, will enter into force on 22 January 2021. The treaty prohibits the development, production, and use of nuclear weapons. It is the first legally binding instrument to comprehensively prohibit nuclear weapons, and provides a pathway to their total elimination.
The treaty will have a significant impact on the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime. It will reinforce the normative prohibition against nuclear weapons, and contribute to changing the perceptions of their acceptability. The treaty will also send a strong signal to nuclear-armed States about the urgency of taking concrete steps towards disarmament.
In addition, the treaty will have a practical impact on disarmament efforts by providing a framework for international cooperation and assistance in relation to nuclear disarmament. This includes measures such as support for victims of nuclear weapons use and testing, assistance with the clearance of contaminated areas, and provision of financial resources for affected States.
The entry into force of the treaty is a major milestone in our collective efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons. The treaty represents an important step forward in our shared quest for a safer and more secure world for all.
Call to Action – How You Can Participate On This Day
For the first time in history, a Treaty has been created to outlaw nuclear weapons. Signed by 122 nations, the Nuclear Ban Treaty will enter into force on January 22, 2021 – Nuclear Ban Treaty Day.
You can participate in this historic event by:
Learn about the treaty and its implications for global security
Share information about the treaty with others
Urge your government to sign and ratify the treaty
advocate for the full implementation of the treaty’s provisions
On Nuclear Ban Treaty Day, join people around the world in calling for a nuclear-free future!
Resources and Further Reading
In celebration of Nuclear Ban Treaty Day on January 22, the United Nations is providing a variety of resources and further reading on the topic.
The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs is hosting a special event to commemorate the occasion, which will include a panel discussion featuring experts from around the world.
Additionally, the UN has published a series of articles on its website discussing the history of the nuclear ban treaty and its importance in today’s world.
Lastly, there are a number of books and reports that have been released in recent years that provide detailed information on the treaty and its implications. Some of these titles include “Banning Nuclear Weapons: A Guide to the New Treaty” by Joshua Cooper Ramo and “The Age of Atomic Anxieties: Why Americans Feared Nuclear Weapons, 1945-1963” by Spencer Weart.
There is also a variety of online articles and blog posts that discuss the Treaty, as well as its potential implications for security. Resources include the Arms Control Association’s “Nuclear Ban Treaty: An Overview” and the Stimson Center’s “Innovative Disarmament Policy Options: The Nuclear Ban Treaty.”
Nuclear Ban Treaty Day serves as a reminder that we must remain committed to pursuing the total elimination of nuclear weapons for stable world peace and security. We are hopeful that its annual celebration will continue to bring greater awareness of the dangers posed by these weapons, and increased attention to the urgent need for diplomacy dedicated towards banning them worldwide. All governments should do their part by signing binding international agreements and respecting mutually agreed disarmament timelines as a way of upholding their ethical responsibility in protecting all humanity from nuclear devastation.
