Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons?

Subject:

Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

Known for:

First legally binding treaty to prohibit nuclear weapons and aim for total elimination.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), or the Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty, is the first legally binding international agreement to comprehensively prohibit nuclear weapons, with the ultimate goal being their total elimination. It was adopted on 7 July 2017, opened for signature on 20 September 2017, and entered into force on 22 January 2021. For those states that are party to it, the treaty prohibits the development, testing, production, stockpiling, stationing, transfer, use and threat of use of nuclear weapons, as well as assistance and encouragement to the prohibited activities.

Career & Major Achievements

For a nuclear-armed state joining the treaty, it provides for a time-bound framework for negotiations leading to the verified and irreversible elimination of its nuclear weapons program. A mandate adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 23 December 2016 scheduled two sessions for negotiations: 27 to 31 March and 15 June to 7 July 2017.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The treaty passed on schedule on 7 July with 122 in favour, 1 against (Netherlands), and 1 official abstention (Singapore). States that have joined the treaty are typically also members of nuclear-weapon-free zones.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2016: 2016 Milestone — A mandate adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 23 December 2016 scheduled two sessions for negotiations: 27 to 31 March and 15 June to 7 July 2017.
2. 2017: 2017 Milestone — It was adopted on 7 July 2017, opened for signature on 20 September 2017, and entered into force on 22 January 2021.

Notable Quotes by Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

“The TPNW represents a monumental step towards global disarmament and peace.” (2022)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

True or False: “The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) was designed to immediately eliminate all nuclear weapons globally upon its entry into force.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The TPNW prohibits development and use but provides a time-bound framework for negotiations leading to elimination, rather than mandating immediate global removal.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdul Halim of Kedah — Historical peer (Died in 2017) (2017): Sultan of Kedah and Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a pivotal Malaysian royal figure.
• Adam West — Historical peer (Died in 2017) (2017): American actor best known for portraying Batman in the 1960s and extensive voice work.
• Aaron Beck — Historical peer (Died in 2021) (2021): Father of Cognitive Therapy and CBT, revolutionizing psychiatric treatment.
• Abdelaziz Bouteflika — Historical peer (Died in 2021) (2021): Algerian politician who served as the seventh President of Algeria from 1999 to 2019.
• Abbas Kiarostami — Historical peer (Died in 2016) (2016): Master Iranian filmmaker known for blending fiction and documentary styles.
• Agnes Nixon — Historical peer (Died in 2016) (2016): Pioneering soap opera writer and producer, creator of 'One Life to Live' and 'All My Children'.

Frequently Asked Questions about Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons