UN Resolution Calls for Ban on Nuclear Weapons

[misskit]

U.N. member states have voted overwhelmingly on a measure that could lead to a ban on nuclear weapons.

On Thursday, the U.N. Disarmament and International Security Committee voted to approve a resolution that calls for negotiations on a new treaty outlawing nuclear weapons, despite opposition from nuclear-armed nations.

"This treaty won't eliminate nuclear weapons overnight. But it will establish a powerful, new international legal standard, stigmatizing nuclear weapons and compelling nations to take urgent action on disarmament,” Beatriz Fihn, executive director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, said.

Fihn said the vote was a "historic moment" even though convincing countries to eliminate their nuclear weapons will be very difficult.

The non-binding resolution, presented by Austria, Brazil, Ireland, Nigeria, Mexico and South Africa was approved by a vote of 123 to 38, with 16 abstentions. Nuclear powers had lobbied for "no" votes.

Who voted against it

The United States, Israel, France, Russia and Britain were among the nations voting against the measure. China, India and Pakistan abstained.

U.N. members will meet in December to vote on the resolution during a full general assembly.

The resolution also aims to set up a conference next March to negotiate a “legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading toward their total elimination.”

Humanitarian consequences

Countries in favor of the resolution cited deep concerns about the "catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons."

Nations against the measure say nuclear disarmament should be discussed during negotiations on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

This resolution came after three international conferences that took place in 2013 and discussions by a working group on nuclear disarmament in 2016 that recognized the humanitarian effects of nuclear weapons.

UN Resolution Calls for Ban on Nuclear Weapons

[Norton]

despite opposition from nuclear-armed nations.

Good luck but the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States will simply veto the resolution.

[harrybarracuda]

despite opposition from nuclear-armed nations.

Good luck but the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States will simply veto the resolution.

It's not a Security Council resolution.

[Maanaam]

Who voted against it

...... Israel

But, but, but....they don't have nukes! And they vehemently don't want Iran to have nukes.....so why would they not want to outlaw them?

[Maanaam]

It's not a Security Council resolution.

Thankfully.
But in the game of chess that is UN posturing, you can be sure there was no altruism in the supporters of the motion: They'll all be rubbing their hands at the prospect of being wooed by the US and Israel to a nay vote.

[sabang]

Keep your damn nukes- that way you won't use them against each other.
I just wish i could put Israel & Nth Korea in this club.

[Maanaam]

^There's the rub, innit?
As long as the US condones Israel's non-admission of what is well known, they can not be brought to heel.

Lets face it, as much as we despise the despotic and crazy regime of NK, the more likely candidate for unleashing a nuke is Israel.....while the US plays big bro.

[CaptainNemo]

Fastest way to resolve the climate change debate.

[Neverna]

Never in a month of Sundays.