One of the oldest goals of the United Nations is to eliminate nuclear weapons from the world. This subject was already addressed in the first General Assembly resolution in 1946 (which also established the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission, dissolved in 1952), with a mandate to consider specific measures for the control of nuclear energy and the elimination of all types of weapons of mass destruction.
In 1959, the General Assembly stressed the urgent need for general and complete disarmament. Since then, progress on nuclear disarmament has remained a priority for the United Nations.
It was in 2013 that the UN General Assembly proclaimed September 26 as the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. This decision was taken following its meeting on nuclear disarmament held at the time in New York.
In 2013, the UN adopted the International Arms Trade Treaty. On paper, this instrument prohibits the sale of arms to countries in which they could be used to commit genocide, a crime against humanity or a war crime. In reality, its application remains limited. Governments need to be more transparent about the arms trade (and no longer hide behind "national security") and about the informal links between their military power, the arms manufacturers who profit from the trade, and the governments of the countries to which the arms are sold. Today, nuclear weapons are illegal under international law. All nuclear-armed countries must join this treaty.
But nevertheless, what would humanitarian organizations do in the event of a nuclear attack? The reality is that no state or organization could cope with the catastrophic consequences of a nuclear bomb explosion.
We all have a responsibility to ensure that decision-makers understand that nuclear weapons have no place in the world we want for ourselves and for future generations. Each of us can make a difference.
We can raise awareness of the issues by :
putting the issue of nuclear weapons on the agenda of civic, religious, social, and other organizations of which you are a member,
helping to carry the message by sharing this article and other reliable information on your social media platforms and writing to local media outlets to express your concerns.
The time to act for the good of humanity is now.
Marit Greißinger