Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
Arms Control

Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

Signed: 2017New York

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons marked a historic step towards the global abolition of nuclear arms.

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), signed in 2017, represents a landmark achievement in international disarmament efforts. It is the first legally binding international agreement to comprehensively prohibit nuclear weapons, with the ultimate goal of their total elimination. Despite its significance, the treaty has not been signed by any of the nuclear-armed states, highlighting the persistent challenges in achieving global nuclear disarmament. The treaty emerged from a growing international movement that emphasized the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons use. Its adoption reflects the collective will of non-nuclear states and civil society to advance disarmament, even in the face of resistance from nuclear powers. The TPNW has reshaped the discourse on nuclear weapons, emphasizing humanitarian concerns over strategic considerations and setting a new normative standard against the possession and use of nuclear arms.

Chapters

Timeline

2013-03-04

Oslo Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons

The first of a series of international conferences focused on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons, held in Oslo, Norway. It marked the beginning of a new approach to disarmament, emphasizing humanitarian concerns.

2016-12-23

UN General Assembly Resolution 71/258

The UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 71/258, deciding to convene negotiations on a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading to the TPNW.

2017-03-27

Commencement of TPNW Negotiations

Negotiations for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons began at the United Nations headquarters in New York, chaired by Elayne Whyte G贸mez.

2017-07-07

Adoption of the TPNW

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was adopted by a vote of 122 in favor, with one against and one abstention, marking a significant achievement in disarmament efforts.

2017-09-20

Signing Ceremony of the TPNW

The signing ceremony for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons took place at the United Nations headquarters, with 53 countries signing the treaty on the first day.

2020-10-24

50th Ratification of the TPNW

Honduras became the 50th state to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, triggering its entry into force.

2021-01-22

TPNW Enters Into Force

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons officially entered into force, marking the first comprehensive ban on nuclear weapons under international law.

Connected Across The Archives

Explore specific connections to other archives鈥攃ivilizations, conflicts, dynasties, and companies that share history with this treaty.