Throughout history countries have pursued disarmament to build a safer, more secure world and to protect people from harm. Since the foundation of the United Nations disarmament and arms control have played a critical role in preventing and ending crises and armed conflict. On 18 January member states will gather at the session of the . The Conference was recognized by the first Special Session on Disarmament of the United Nations General Assembly (1978) as the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the international community.
Cluster munitions blanket wide areas with miniature explosives and cause devastating harm to civilians. UN ODA brings us information on cluster bombs and the world’s work to eliminate them.
Commemorated annually since 2010, the International Day Against Nuclear Tests takes on special meaning in 2020 as it also marks 75 years since the first-ever nuclear test, code named Trinity, undertaken in July 1945 in the United States. On this International Day, we recognize the survivors of nuclear tests, and the suffering that they have endured and that our world will endure for decades and even generations. The best way to honour the victims of nuclear tests is to prevent any in the future. Nuclear testing is a relic of another age and should have no place in the 21st century.
The General Assembly 4 April as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action to protect people in countries where mines and explosives constitute a serious threat to the lives of the civilian population. For over 20 years, the work of the (UNMAS) has been driven by the needs of civilians, peacekeepers and humanitarians affected by the threat of explosive hazards. UNMAS continues its work during .
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) entered into force on 5 March 1970. The NPT is a landmark international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament. A total of 191 States have joined the Treaty, including the five nuclear-weapon States. More countries have ratified the NPT than any other arms limitation and disarmament agreement.
Adopted in 1993, the entered into force in 1997. The States Parties established the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons () to achieve the purpose of the Convention. The OPCW observes the annual Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare on 30 November. During the ceremony–with representatives of the victims’ associations as guests of honour–the OPCW Member States renew their resolve to achieve a world truly free of chemical weapons. After the commemorative session the participants lay wreaths at the memorial site and observe a minute of silence. Learn more about the .