World News
UN officials warn against nuclear testing amid stalled ratifications of 1996 treaty
Disarmament leaders caution that a resumption of tests by nuclear-armed states could spark an arms race, as nine key nations continue to withhold final approval.
The short version
- UN disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu and CTBT head Robert Floyd warned the General Assembly that resuming nuclear tests could ignite a new global arms race and dismantle decades of restraint.
- The 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty remains inactive because nine designated key nations—including the U.S., China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and North Korea—have either not ratified it or revoked their ratification.
- Victims of fallout testified before the UN regarding long-term health consequences and cancer caused by past atmospheric and underground testing in impacted communities worldwide.
Key facts
- The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was adopted in 1996 and requires ratification by 44 specific countries to enter into force.[Associated Press]
- Nine key nations have not ratified the CTBT: the U.S., China, Iran, Egypt, and Israel have signed but not ratified; India, Pakistan, and North Korea have neither signed nor ratified; and Russia revoked its ratification in 2023.[Associated Press]
- Tonga recently ratified the treaty, bringing the total number of party states to 179.[Associated Press]
- More than 2,000 nuclear tests have occurred globally since 1945, but fewer than 12 have been conducted over the past 30 years.[Associated Press]
- U.S. President Donald Trump accused Russia and China of carrying out nuclear tests, allegations that both nations deny.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- Whether any nuclear-armed power will follow through on past threats to officially resume atomic testing remains uncertain.[Associated Press]