On 22 January 2021, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons enters into force, becoming international law.
This means that nuclear weapons - the most inhumane and indiscriminate weapons we know - are illegal, just like chemical or biological weapons.
The entry into force of the treaty puts Australia out of step with international law.
While Australia has joined every other treaty that prohibits indiscriminate or inhumane weapons, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, it has not yet signed or ratified the ban on nuclear weapons.
Our goal is to change Australia's position, and make sure our own country takes a stand on the world's worst weapons.
1. The Treaty bans the development of new weapons systems
Right now, all nuclear armed states are quantitatively or qualitatively advancing their nuclear arsenals, to the tune of nearly $73 billion in 2019 alone.
2. The treaty bans assisting with developing nuclear weapons
Dozens of universities in the US and around the world are assisting with nuclear weapons science and engineering. From 22 January 2021, these universities, and others that are participating in the development and production of nuclear weapons, are carrying out activities that are banned under international law. Students should demand their universities focus on research to save lives, not end them.
3. The treaty bans the hosting of nuclear weapons
There are five countries in the world that are currently engaged in this soon to be banned behaviour: Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Turkey. These five countries currently host collectively about 150 U.S. nuclear weapons at bases on their territory. The fact is, there are likely more nuclear weapons in Italy than in North Korea.
Not only does the continued hosting of U.S. nuclear weapons run contrary to international law, it also flies in the face of public opinion. Less than one-third of the public in most nuclear hosting states support the continued existence of weapons of mass destruction on their soil.
4. The treaty bans the manufacturing of nuclear weapons
Around 28 international companies participate in the manufacture of nuclear weapons. Financial institutions are already starting to divest from companies producing weapons banned under international law. If these companies do not choose to adhere to the new norm on nuclear weapons, they may pay the price. We can all demand our banks and super funds to do the same.
Go to quitnukes.org for more information about divestment in Australia.
5. The treaty bans encouraging the use of nuclear weapons
This prohibition covers a lot of different activities including some joint military exercises.
6. The treaty has positive obligations
The treaty also sets out obligations for states parties to assist victims impacted by nuclear weapons use or testing, as well as taking “necessary or appropriate measures” to remediate environments contaminated by nuclear weapons use or testing.