International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons: September 26

The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is observed every year on 26 September across the world. The day aims to provide an occasion for world community to reaffirm its commitment to global nuclear disarmament as high priority. It also seeks to provide opportunity to educate public and their leaders about real benefits of eliminating such weapons, and the social and economic costs of perpetuating them.

Background

The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons was proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting resolution 68/32 in December 2013 as follow-up to its high-level meeting on nuclear disarmament which was held on 26 September 2013, in New York, US. The day is aimed at enhancing public awareness and education about threat posed to humanity by nuclear weapons and the necessity for their total elimination.
It is latest in series of efforts by UNGA to raise public awareness and seek deeper engagement on nuclear disarmament matters. In resolution 68/32, UNGA had called for urgent commencement of negotiations in Conference on Disarmament of comprehensive convention on nuclear weapons to prohibit their possession, development, production, acquisition, testing, stockpiling, transfer and use or threat of use, and to provide for their destruction.
Note: UNGA also observe 29 August as the International Day against Nuclear Tests. It was proclaimed through resolution 64/35 adopted in 2009.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2018