By Bisola Adeyemo
Following the establishment of the International Day against Nuclear Tests by the United Nations in May 2010 all state parties to the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons committed themselves to achieve the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons.
Every 29 of August was set aside by the United Nations (UN) to promote a special day that calls for all countries and individuals to get rid of nuclear weapons.
A detonated nuclear bomb produces a fireball, shockwaves and intense radiation. A mushroom cloud forms from vaporized debris and disperses radioactive particles that fall to earth contaminating air, soil, water and the food supply. When carried by wind currents, the fallout can cause far-reaching environmental damage.
According to this year’s theme “The Path to Zero: The Role of the United Nations in Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation” meant for the member states, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, youth networks, and the media to be inform, educate and advocate the importance and necessity to end nuclear weapon tests as a valuable step towards achieving a safer and peaceful world.
The United Nations also use this day as a remarkable day to remember the victims and survivors of nuclear testing, as well as of the legacy impacts of the production of nuclear weapons, including nuclear waste.
NatureNews observed that the only way to eliminate nuclear risk is “to eliminate nuclear weapons from the planet.”
According to the data provided by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute platform, 2053 nuclear tests were conducted worldwide during 1945–2006
2010 marked the inaugural commemoration of the International Day against Nuclear Tests. In each subsequent year, the day has been observed by coordinating various activities throughout the world, such as symposia, conferences, exhibits, competitions, publications, lectures, media broadcasts and other initiatives.
Since its establishment, many bilateral and multilateral governmental level developments, as well as broad movements in civil society, have helped to advance the cause of banning nuclear tests.
Moreover, the UN convinced that nuclear disarmament and the total elimination of nuclear weapons are the only guarantees against the use or threat of nuclear weapons.
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