TOKYO/ASTANA, Aug 19 (IPS) – In a world increasingly clouded by the threat of nuclear conflict, Kazakhstan is stepping up its efforts in the global disarmament movement. On 27-28 August 2024, Kazakhstan, in cooperation with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), will host a critical workshop in Astana. The meeting, the first of its kind in five years, aims to revitalise the five existing nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs) and enhance cooperation and consultation among them.
This initiative is in line with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ Agenda for Disarmament, in particular Action 5, which emphasizes strengthening NWFZs through enhanced cooperation between zones, encouraging nuclear-weapon states to respect relevant treaties, and supporting the establishment of new zones, such as in the Middle East. This effort reflects the global community’s continued drive to reduce the nuclear threat and promote regional and global peace.
Kazakhstan’s historic commitment to disarmament
Kazakhstan’s vision for a nuclear-free world is deeply rooted in its leadership in global disarmament efforts. This vision is not just ambitious; it is grounded in the country’s lived experience with the devastating impact of nuclear weapons. The Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeastern Kazakhstan, often referred to as “the Polygon,” was the site of 456 nuclear tests conducted by the Soviet Union between 1949 and 1989. These tests exposed more than 1.5 million people to radiation, resulting in serious health consequences, including cancer and birth defects, as well as environmental degradation.
Kazakhstan’s commitment to disarmament is further underscored by its initiative to declare August 29 the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, recognized by the United Nations. The date commemorates both the first Soviet nuclear test at Semipalatinsk in 1949 and the closure of the site in 1991, and serves as a reminder of the horrors of nuclear testing and a call to action for the global community.
The role of NWFZs in global security
NWFZs are critical components of the global nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament architecture. There are five established NWFZs, created by treaties: Treaty of Tlatelolco (Latin America and the Caribbean), Treaty of Rarotonga (South Pacific Ocean), Treaty of Bangkok (Southeast Asia), Treaty of Pelindaba (Africa), Treaty of Semey (Central Asia) Moreover, Mongolia’s unique status as a self-declared nuclear-weapon-free staterecognized by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, is an example of a national commitment to nuclear non-proliferation.
These zones prohibit the presence of nuclear weapons within their territory, reinforced by international verification and control systems. NWFZs play a crucial role in maintaining regional stability, reducing the risk of nuclear conflict, and promoting global disarmament.
Workshop in Astana: A Critical Meeting for Disarmament
The upcoming workshop in Astana is a crucial opportunity for States Parties to the five NWFZ treaties, together with representatives of international organizations, to engage in essential discussions aimed at overcoming the challenges facing these zones. This meeting is particularly timely given the escalating geopolitical tensions in regions where nuclear capabilities remain central to national security.
A key focus of the workshop will be on enhancing cooperation between NWFZs, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament. This includes facilitating consultations between the zones and encouraging nuclear-weapon states to adhere to the protocols of these treaties. The workshop builds on the 2019 seminar entitled “Cooperation between Nuclear Weapon Free Zones and Mongolia”, jointly hosted by UNODA and Kazakhstan in Nur-Sultan (Astana), which produced key recommendations aimed at revitalizing cooperation between NWFZs.
Participants will discuss strategies to advance the objectives of NWFZs, with a focus on enhancing the security benefits for Member States and promoting more robust consultation mechanisms. The workshop will also address the challenges posed by the reluctance of certain nuclear-weapon States, notably the United States, to ratify protocols related to various NWFZ treaties. Despite being a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the US has yet to ratify protocols for treaties relating to the South Pacific (Treaty of Rarotonga), Africa (Treaty of Pelindaba), and Central Asia. This reluctance has hampered the full realization of the security benefits that these zones can provide.
Kazakhstan’s Leadership in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)
Kazakhstan’s role in nuclear disarmament extends beyond the nuclear-weapon-free zones and includes leadership in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)In March 2025, Kazakhstan will host the 3rd Meeting of States Parties to the TPNW at the United Nations, further cementing the country’s position as a champion of nuclear disarmament.
Kazakhstan is a strong supporter of the TPNW and has actively campaigned for the establishment of an international fund to support victims of nuclear tests and to clean up environments affected by nuclear activities, in accordance with Articles 6 and 7 of the treaty.
The Vienna Action Plandeveloped at the first Meeting of States Parties to the TPNW (MSP), outlines actions for the implementation of these articles, including exploring the feasibility of an international trust fund and encouraging concerned States Parties to assess the consequences of the use and testing of nuclear weapons and develop national plans for implementation.
At the Second Meeting of States Parties (2MSP), chaired by Kazakhstan and Kiribati, progress was made, but challenges remain. The Informal Working Group on Victim Assistance, Environmental Sanitation and International Cooperation presented a report and its mandate was renewed, with the aim of submitting recommendations for the establishment of an International Trust Fund at the Third Meeting of States Parties (3MSP). Kazakhstan’s leadership in this area underscores its commitment to addressing the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, drawing on its own experience of the devastating impact of nuclear testing in Semipalatinsk.
The crucial role of civil society
As part of the two-day event, Soka Gakkai International (SGI) from Japan and the Center for International Security and Policy (CISP) will hold a side event on the evening of September 28 to the documentary “I Want to Live On: The Untold Stories of the Polygon”, highlighting the survivors of the Semipalatinsk nuclear tests. The documentary, produced by CISP with support from SGI, was first screened at the UN during the Second Meeting of States Parties to the TPNW in 2023. This side-event is part of a broader initiative by SGI and Kazakhstan, who have organized several events focusing on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons at the UN, Vienna, and Astana in recent years.
Also coinciding with the workshop in Astana, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) will hold a conference with civil society organizations and activists, including Hibakusha from several countries. This convergence of government and civil society efforts in Astana marks an important moment in the global disarmament movement. While diplomats and state representatives will discuss policies and cooperation during the official workshop, parallel activities organized by civil society will reinforce the humanitarian message and emphasize the urgent need for a world without nuclear weapons.
As global tensions rise, the Astana workshop represents a beacon of hope, a pivotal moment in the global journey toward disarmament. Through cooperation, dialogue, and a shared commitment to peace, the dream of a world without nuclear weapons remains within reach. Kazakhstan, with the support of the international community, is at the forefront of this vital effort.
INPS Japan/IPS UN Office
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© Inter Press Service (2024) — All rights reservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service