Treaty banning nuclear weapons came into force ^Featured

Ivy Mike was an atmospheric nuclear test conducted at Enewetak Atoll on 1 November 1952. It was the world's first successful hydrogen bomb. Photo: Public domain

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons comes into force under the provisions of international law after recently reaching its 50th ratification at the United Nations.

Ten Pacific countries including New Zealand were central to the treaty coming into effect

They are among 51 state parties to have ratified it, while to date 86 nations have signed the treaty.

But nuclear armed states have refused to sign, preferring nuclear arms control treaties that they hope will eventually lead to the elimination of all weapons.

Diplomats from NATO countries this month released a statement reaffirming the organisation's opposition to the Treaty.

However countries from the Pacific region, where governments from distant major powers have conducted testing for nuclear weapons, continue to urge other nations to ratify for the sake of world peace.

They say the treaty helps delegitimise nuclear weapons in the global community.

The treaty has an article providing for victim assistance procedures to be developed which the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons hopes will effect remediation efforts for the Pacific victims of nuclear tests.

The Campaign is a coalition of non-governmental organisations promoting adherence to and implementation of the treaty.

It has held events in the Pacific region to mark the Treaty coming into effect.

RNZI