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Many Speakers Voice Concern over Increase in Dangerous Nuclear Weapons Rhetoric amidst Ongoing War against Ukraine, as Disarmament Commission Opens Session

United Nations 3 Apr 23

The Disarmament Commission’s 2023 substantive session began today by bringing into sharp focus the nuclear risks faced by the international community, as speakers stressed the alarming increase of dangerous nuclear rhetoric amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine and the crucial need to prioritize disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control measures.

Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu, delivering opening remarks, issued a warning that the risk of a nuclear weapon being used, whether intentionally or by mistake, is currently higher than it has been at any point since the height of the cold war.

“I want to be clear:  risk reduction is not a substitute for nuclear disarmament, indeed the only way to eliminate the risks associated with nuclear weapons is to completely eliminate the nuclear weapons themselves,” she stressed.

The Under-Secretary-General emphasized that the acquisition of more nuclear weapons, as well as the development of more sophisticated delivery systems, do not reduce the risk of a nuclear incident.  She underscored that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is the foundation of the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, expressing concern over the erosion of confidence and trust in the critical framework……………………………………………………………….

During the discussion, multiple speakers called on Member States to align themselves with the conclusions of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction.  They highlighted that the establishment of a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East is crucial for achieving peace in that region.

In addition to nuclear proliferation, cyber and space are increasingly becoming critical to international security, many speakers pointed out, with Portugal’s representative warning that the development of space-based weapons poses significant risks to destabilizing the international security environment.  These weapons could potentially target critical space infrastructure such as satellites used for communication and navigation and threaten daily life………………………………………. more https://press.un.org/en/2023/dc3847.doc.htm

April 10, 2023 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | 2 WORLD, weapons and war