On 7 July, the UN Conference to negotiate a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading towards their total elimination adopted the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This treaty was adopted by a vote of 122 in favour, 1 against (The Netherlands) and with 1 abstention (Singapore).
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement more broadly, warmly welcomes this historic treaty. The movement has long-called for the prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons and this treaty is an important step towards achieving these goals.
The treaty contains a range of obligations. It establishes clear prohibitions and all acts associated with nuclear weapon use and facilitates the remediation of contaminated environments. Importantly, it also provides pathways for adherence by all States, including nuclear-armed States so as to facilitate the eventual elimination of nuclear weapons.
