Source : AUN News

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which opened for signature 25 years ago but hasn’t yet come into force because it needs to be ratified by a select group of important nations with nuclear weapons, was explained to journalists by Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the body that oversees it.

“Once in effect, the CTBT will be a crucial component of a world free of nuclear weapons. A global ban on nuclear testing is an absolute requirement in order to realise the utopia to which we all aspire, according to him.

World in danger

The most recent nuclear non-proliferation summit, which began this week at UN Headquarters after two years of pandemic-related delays, was the backdrop against which Mr. Floyd was speaking.

The 50-year-old Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is being evaluated by nations.

In his remarks at the event’s inauguration on Monday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that nuclear destruction was “only one mistake, one miscalculation, away.”

Nuclear testing and the proliferation of nuclear weapons will continue to present an unacceptable risk to civilization, according to Mr. Floyd.

Low-stakes testing

According to Mr. Floyd, the CTBT is a valuable addition to the non-proliferation pact and has already changed the world.

Less than 12 nuclear testing have taken place since the treaty’s opening for signature, down from more than 2,000 nuclear tests performed between 1945 and 1996, he claimed. “This millennium, only one country has tested.”

Additionally, almost everyone has endorsed the deal. The CTBT has been signed by 186 nations and ratified by 174, including four in the past six months.

However, in order for the pact to enter into force, 44 specified nuclear technology-holding nations must sign and ratify it; eight of these nations—China, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Pakistan, and the United States—have not yet done so.

In response to a question regarding these nations, Mr. Floyd said, “They have their own calculus, strategic aims, and geopolitical concerns as to whether they feel free to move forward.” He also added that they all support the CTBT and its goals.

Assisting nations

Additionally, Mr. Floyd provided an update on the initiatives of the group he directs that works to advance the pact.

As is well-known, the CTBTO has developed a cutting-edge verification system that can continuously monitor for nuclear explosions.

In order to prepare them for conducting on-site verifications after the treaty enters into force, staff also trains inspectors from Member States. Additionally, nations use CTBTO data for scientific and non-commercial purposes, such as tsunami warning systems and other academic research.

“Even before going into effect, the CTBT is already saving lives in nations all over the world,” declared Mr. Floyd. Even those who haven’t ratified the agreement yet gain from the world’s cooperation and technological know-how.