Basic Information
International Day against Nuclear Tests is observed to increase awareness and education about the effects of nuclear weapon tests explosions and other nuclear explosions. Thus to achieve the goal of a nuclear-weapon free world.
Observed on: August 29
Organized by: UN
Introduced in: 2009 (UN Resolution)
Observed: Worldwide
About International Day against Nuclear Tests
First nuclear test was conducted on 16 July 1945. After that there was nearly 2000 more nuclear tests have taken place. The tests cause human life, living creatures and atmosphere badly. Hindsight and history have shown us the terrifying and tragic effects of nuclear weapons testing, especially when controlled conditions go awry.
On 2 December 2009, the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly declared 29 August the International Day against Nuclear Tests by unanimously adopting resolution 64/35. The resolution calls for increasing awareness and education “about the effects of nuclear weapons test explosions or any other nuclear explosions and the need for their cessation as one of the means of achieving the goal of a nuclear-weapon free world”. First observance of the day was made on 29 August 2010.
The date August 29 was selected with a view to commemorate the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test site on 29 August 1991.
Activities and Programs on International Day against Nuclear Tests
On ‘International Day against Nuclear Tests’ organizations conduct educational events, activities and programs which aim to capture the world’s attention and underscore the need for a unified attempt in preventing further nuclear weapons testing.
The international instrument to put an end to all forms of nuclear testing is the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 September 1996. Only 183 countries have signed the treaty and 159 have ratified it. So it is yet to force.
Following the establishment of the International Day against Nuclear Tests, 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”.
On this day the United nations, Member States, Intergovernmental and Non-governmental organizations, Academic institutions, youth networks and the media to inform, educate and advocate the necessary of banning nuclear weapon tests as a valuable step towards achieving a safer world.
Various activities such as symposia, conferences, exhibits, competitions, publications, instructions in academic institutions, media broadcasts are conducting throughout the world to spread the message against nuclear tests.
A number of events have been held at United Nations Headquarters also. Many bilateral and multilateral government level developments as well as broad movements in civil society and efforts of the UN also helped to advance the cause of banning nuclear tests.
Various activities to commemorate International Day against Nuclear Tests, as well as efforts throughout the year by nations and civil society build the momentum towards a safe and secure world.