2017-07-15

Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

(7) Peri Coleman
Adopted: Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
On Friday 17 July 2017, the world tilted. Not much perhaps, but a decided lean toward a nuclear free future.
At the United Nations, 122 countries voted in favour of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, leading to its formal adoption. As of 20 September, during the UN General Assembly, the treaty will be open for signature by member countries. It will come into force 90 days after being ratified by at least 50 countries.
The US, France and the UK have issued a joint statement maintaining their commitment to never engaging with the treaty. Growing tensions around the Korean peninsula and military manoeuvres elsewhere make these matters increasingly fraught.
Details about the treaty and reactions are being reported around the world. We’ll keep reporting on this matter, including from our winter school tomorrow.

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