3 ⏰
Disarmament and non-proliferation are investments in peace. They are investments in our future. Let’s end these threats before they end us. (António Guterres)
The Human Cost of Nuclear Weapons
Nuclear weapons have left deep scars on the world—scars that cannot be erased. Communities affected by nuclear testing, the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and those living near nuclear waste sites continue to suffer the consequences. The fight for disarmament is about justice for these individuals. It is about ensuring that no more lives are lost or devastated by the existence of these weapons. More than that, it is about redirecting global resources toward what truly matters—healthcare, education, and the well-being of future generations.
A Hopeful Future
As we observe the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness on March 5, 2025, we have a choice: we can either accept the status quo or demand a world where security does not rely on the threat of mass destruction. The vision of a nuclear-free world is not just an idealistic dream—it is a necessity. With courage, commitment, and global solidarity, it is within reach. We must keep pushing forward, not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come.
This United Nations-designated day serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to promote peace and security. It highlights how disarmament efforts contribute to preventing conflicts, reducing human suffering, and fostering a more stable global community.
The Human Rights Perspective
In 2023, global military spending reached an astounding $2.4 trillion. Today, an estimated 12,400 nuclear weapons remain an existential threat to humanity. Every two minutes, somewhere in the world, a life is tragically lost to firearm violence. Beyond their immediate devastation, the presence and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction pose severe threats to human rights. The potential use of these weapons endangers the fundamental right to life, while their long-term health and environmental effects violate rights to health, safety, and a sustainable environment. Furthermore, the allocation of resources to maintain and develop nuclear arsenals often comes at the cost of social and economic development, diverting funds that could support healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite treaties like the NPT and TPNW, disarmament faces growing challenges, including technological risks from AI and cyber warfare, geopolitical tensions, the erosion of arms control agreements, and the modernization of nuclear arsenals. Additionally, balancing nuclear energy with security remains a global concern. To address these threats, nations must renew their commitments to disarmament, promote transparency through open dialogue, and prioritize education to foster a culture of peace. Civil society, including NGOs, academia, and the media, must continue advocating for accountability, while global security should be built on trust and diplomacy rather than on the threat of destruction.
A Shared Commitment
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reminds us that disarmament and non-proliferation are not just policy choices but investments in our collective future. By working together, we can build a world where peace and security are upheld not by the threat of destruction, but through mutual respect, cooperation, and diplomacy.
On this International Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons and recognize that the path to lasting peace begins with disarmament and the promotion of human rights for all.
Source:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/disarmament-non-proliferation-awareness-day
By: Tasmim Sultana Mouly – Roay Institute in Bangladesh
