The corona virus pandemic has highlighted how important the United Nations and a human security framework (versus a military security framework) are for humanity in this globalized world. Globalisation – especially international travel – has been a key factor in the spread of the virus. On the other hand, key
The 2020 Review Conference of States Parties to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) is likely to be postponed until 2021. This is one of a number of UN events having to be postponed or cancelled due to the corona virus situation. The NPT is a critical treaty where-by non-nuclear States
In an international appeal issued on Monday March 23, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged warring parties across the world to observe a ceasefire to assist the battle against COVID-19, which he called ‘the common enemy that is now threatening all of humankind.’ (Click here for his video message). The UN chief called on those in armed conflict to ‘pull back from
On January 24, 1946, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted by consensus its very first resolution, Res 1 (I), which established a commission of the UN Security Council to ensure the elimination from national armaments of atomic weapons and all other major weapons adaptable to mass destruction. The ensuing
The Middle East is a region where nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs arise from, and contribute to, tensions, instability and conflict. The 2003 invasion of Iraq was launched by the US and the UK with the stated purpose to ‘disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction’ (see ‘Operation Iraq
Youth movements for climate action, peace and nuclear disarmament have sprung up in Europe and around the world in the past few years as young people have become concerned about existential threats to current and future generations, and increasingly frustrated at the insufficient action by governments to address these threats.
In 2013, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) declared September 26 to be the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons (Nuclear Abolition Day). The aims of the day are to enhance public awareness about the threat posed to humanity by nuclear weapons and the necessity for their total
On May 24, the International Women’s Day for Peace and Disarmament, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres released a video message highlighting the importance of disarmament, in particular nuclear disarmament. ‘Today the global security environment is threatened from many sides‘ said Mr Guterres. ‘Regional nuclear challenges persist. And tensions between nuclear
Money makes the world go around Cabaret by Christopher Isherwood The nuclear weapons and fossil fuel industries are making billions – if not trillions – of dollars fostering a nuclear arms race and destroying the climate. They have a vested financial interest in producing more and more nuclear weapons and
[Photo: French nuclear test in Algeria] Seven major peace organisations in France released a joint statement yesterday commemorating the 73rd anniversary of the first resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, Resolution 1 (1) adopted on January 24, 1946, and calling on the leaders of France and other nuclear armed