UNITED NATIONS, Sept 5 (IPS) – The General Assembly meets today – for the fifteenth time in a row – to discuss the International Day Against Nuclear Testswhich is commemorated annually on August 29.
On this day, 33 years agothe Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan – where the former Soviet Union 456 nuclear tests – was permanently closed, marking a pivotal moment in the global effort to end rampant nuclear testing.
We celebrate this day in honor and memory of the victims, and in support of all survivors. We recognize that we have a responsibility as a group to ensure that our moral compass remains attuned to the lasting impact of nuclear testing on people’s lives, livelihoods, health and the environment.
Importantly, it is a day to reaffirm our commitment to ending nuclear testing – once and for all.
Despite the progress made to date – and universal understanding of the existential dangers posed by nuclear weapons – the threat they pose remains unacceptably great, compounded by a world once again torn apart by conflict and unrest.
Geopolitical tensions are at their highest levels in decades – from Europe to the Middle East, from Africa to Asia. As a result, the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime is facing significant setbacks.
In recent years we have witnessed the return of dangerous, irresponsible and reckless rhetoric suggesting that the real risk of nuclear weapons use may once again not be a far-fetched reality, whether intentional or accidental.
We have also heard talk of maintaining the readiness of nuclear test sites, with the possibility of resuming nuclear testing if deemed necessary.
We have even seen a nuclear-armed state withdraw its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. I am deeply concerned about these developments, as it seems that we have not yet learned from the painful lessons of the past.
I am deeply troubled by the message these actions send to all other countries, perhaps even encouraging some to reconsider their arms control commitments, further endangering global peace and security.
It is our collective responsibility to ensure that we do not turn back the clock and allow the same mistakes to happen again – with even more serious consequences. With even more serious consequences.
The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) remains our best safety net to ensure that nuclear testing remains where it belongs – in the past. Since its introduction in 1996, the CTBT has received almost universal international support.
It is encouraging that so far, 187 Member States have signed the treaty, and 178 have ratified it. I appreciate it Papua New Guinea as the most recent member state to ratify the treaty in 2023. The benefits of the treaty for international peace and security are clearly reflected in the figures.
Before 1996, more than two thousand nuclear weapons tests were conducted. Since then, there have been fewer than a dozen.
But given the increased geopolitical tensions, we cannot take anything for granted.
I take this opportunity to urge all Member States that have not yet signed or ratified the Convention to do so without delay. This applies in particular to those countries that have signed Annex 2, as their ratification is essential for the entry into force of the Convention.
I would like to emphasize that history reminds us of the horrors of war and the tragic misuse of human ingenuity to create even deadlier weapons.
And nuclear weapons are the ultimate manifestation of this dark legacy.
Complacency in the face of these threats risks nothing less than the end of civilization as we know it. Now, more than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to upholding and maintaining the norm against nuclear testing.
Any threats, preparations or declarations of willingness to resume testing require our unanimous and unequivocal condemnation. And if such testing occurs, it must be met with swift and decisive collective action.
The time to end nuclear testing – once and for all – is now, not tomorrow, but NOW.
This article is based on remarks made by General Assembly President Dennis Francis at the high-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Elimination of Nuclear Tests.
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