Disarmament Week seeks to promote a better understanding and awareness of disarmament issues and how disarmament efforts contribute to preventing and ending armed conflicts and human suffering caused by weapons. Heightened tensions and dangers are better resolved through serious political dialogue and negotiation鈥攏ot by more arms. Disarmament Week runs annually from 24 October, the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, to 30 October. Watch the to learn how disarmament and arms control contribute to a more peaceful, safe, and sustainable world.
Across a range of fields, we're still having conversations about the need for gender equality. Mine action is no exception. This might be because the military and the police 鈥 both very male-dominated fields 鈥 are the traditional recruiting grounds for people to work in mine action. Members of the UNOPS 探花精选 and Security Cluster, in their support to UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Mali, took on this challenge by re-assessing the programme as it is now and where it needs to be in the future 鈥 and how that translates into the way recruitment is done. Amending the certification requirements or the number of years of military experience required, as well as recognizing non-military experience (such as work with mine action non-governmental organizations or in law enforcement) could help address this. Using a targeted and proactive approach to recruitment can also increase the diversity of the applicant pool.
It is estimated that just under 2% of Bosnia and Herzegovina's territory is still contaminated by land mines, down from 8% following the war that ended in 1995. An estimated 32,000 households are exposed to direct risk. Knowing the locations of these mines can be lifesaving. Part of a European Union initiative has been to create a mobile phone application that allows citizens to be aware of and avoid the locations of mine suspected areas throughout the country. Mountaineer Thierry Joubert specializes in developing and running responsible walking and cycling trips along the Via Dinarica. 鈥淚 can see right on the spot if something is suspected or not,鈥 he says. 鈥淲e didn鈥檛 have that before, you鈥檇 have to carry a map." Volunteers can also report suspected locations of unexploded ordnance through the app.
The legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons results from greater awareness and understanding of the humanitarian consequences that would result from any use of nuclear weapons. In 2017, the General Assembly negotiations towards The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons included a comprehensive set of prohibitions on participating in any nuclear weapon activities. Banned activities include not to develop, test, produce, acquire, possess, stockpile, use or threaten to use nuclear weapons. After its adoption and ratification, the Treaty entered into force on 22 January.
Throughout history countries have pursued disarmament to build a safer, more secure world and to protect people from harm. Since the foundation of the United Nations disarmament and arms control have played a critical role in preventing and ending crises and armed conflict. On 18 January member states will gather at the session of the . The Conference was recognized by the first Special Session on Disarmament of the United Nations General Assembly (1978) as the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the international community.
Cluster munitions blanket wide areas with miniature explosives and cause devastating harm to civilians. UN ODA brings us information on cluster bombs and the world鈥檚 work to eliminate them.
Commemorated annually since 2010, the International Day Against Nuclear Tests takes on special meaning in 2020 as it also marks 75 years since the first-ever nuclear test, code named Trinity, undertaken in July 1945 in the United States. On this International Day, we recognize the survivors of nuclear tests, and the suffering that they have endured and that our world will endure for decades and even generations. The best way to honour the victims of nuclear tests is to prevent any in the future. Nuclear testing is a relic of another age and should have no place in the 21st century.
The General Assembly 4 April as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action to protect people in countries where mines and explosives constitute a serious threat to the lives of the civilian population. For over 20 years, the work of the (UNMAS) has been driven by the needs of civilians, peacekeepers and humanitarians affected by the threat of explosive hazards. UNMAS continues its work during .
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) entered into force on 5 March 1970. The NPT is a landmark international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament. A total of 191 States have joined the Treaty, including the five nuclear-weapon States. More countries have ratified the NPT than any other arms limitation and disarmament agreement.
Adopted in 1993, the entered into force in 1997. The States Parties established the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons () to achieve the purpose of the Convention. The OPCW observes the annual Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare on 30 November. During the ceremony–with representatives of the victims’ associations as guests of honour–the OPCW Member States renew their resolve to achieve a world truly free of chemical weapons. After the commemorative session the participants lay wreaths at the memorial site and observe a minute of silence. Learn more about the .