(29 August 2020)
On the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day Against Nuclear Testing (IDANT), the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) and the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE), two treaty-based intergovernmental organizations mandated to prohibit nuclear testing, appeal for a renewed commitment to strengthening the global non-testing norm and redoubling efforts to irreversibly close the door on nuclear testing.
The CTBTO and AFCONE encourage further progress in the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation agenda and share the view of the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, that “the nuclear menace is once again on the rise. A complete ban on nuclear testing is an essential step in preventing the qualitative and quantitative improvement of nuclear weapons and in achieving nuclear disarmament.”
The CTBTO and AFCONE reaffirm that ending nuclear testing is an important, necessary and achievable goal towards a world free of the scourge of nuclear weapons.
The CTBTO and AFCONE also reaffirm that CTBT and Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones are practical and pragmatic tools to advance nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, and that they promote international and regional cooperation.
The commemoration of the IDANT this year does not only coincide with the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but it also takes place in the context of a global pandemic. These highlight the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons and the imperative for global cooperation to address global issues.
Drawing upon the above: The CTBTO and AFCONE recall that the CTBT and the Pelindaba Treaty are bound by a shared mandate to strengthen regional and global commitments to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation through establishing of a robust framework for international cooperation. The CTBTO and AFCONE commit themselves to continue reinforcing their cooperation and conduct regular consultations, with a view to strengthening the global norm against nuclear testing – including the effective use of their available expertise and information.
The CTBTO and AFCONE further commit themselves to foster synergies of their activities, in particular in the field of training and capacity development. The CTBTO and AFCONE call upon those States that have not yet done so – particularly, those whose ratification is required for the CTBT to enter into force – to sign and/or ratify the Treaty, in order to advance its entry into force and universalization.
Nuclear Safeguards AFCONE Collaborating Centres Fin Ver 29 May 2020
Nuclear Safety & Security AFCONE Reg Collab Centres Vers 30 June 2020
