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UNSECGEN Ban: Message on the International Day Against Nuclear Tests

UNSECGEN Ban: Message on the International Day Against Nuclear Tests
On the occasion of yesterday’s “International Day Against Nuclear Tests”, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon reiterated the need for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) to enter into force. The UN established an International Day against Nuclear Tests in 2009 on the 20th anniversary of the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan.

One catch: entry-into-force requires ratification by the U.S., China, North Korea, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, and Pakistan, the so-called Annex 2 States. Two words: Oy Vey. Who negotiated this mess?

Thus far, 182 of the 195 UN member states have signed the CTBT and 154 have ratified it.

 

Author

Jodi Lieberman

Jodi Lieberman is a veteran of the arms control, nonproliferation, nuclear terrorism and nuclear safety trenches, having worked at the Departments of State, Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission. She has also served in an advisory capacity and as professional staff for several members of Congress in both the House and Senate as well as the Senate Homeland Security Committee. Jodi currently spends her time advocating for science issues and funding as the Senior Government Affairs Specialist at the American Physical Society. The views expressed in her posts are her views based on her professional experience but in way should be construed to represent those of her employer.