Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and the role of civil society

Abstract

Behind the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in January 2021 was the international movement focusing on the humanitarian consequences caused by nuclear weapons. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the governments of like-minded countries, such as Austria, led this movement, supported by NGOs from around the world as well as Hibakusha, the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Such civil society actors played major roles. Firstly, they promoted the recognition of the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons around the world. In addition to the testimonies of the devastation and suffering of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the consequences of nuclear testing and nuclear power plant accidents were presented for international discussion.

Secondly, NGOs contributed to the drafting of the treaty. A Model Nuclear Weapons Convention was developed at an early stage. Then the focus was shifted to the norm-building effect that the Land Mine and Cluster Munition ban treaties have had, helping to shape the TPNW, adopted in 2017.

Thirdly, advocacy efforts by NGOs both locally and at relevant international conferences led to the successful adoption and entry into force of the TPNW.

Looking ahead, Japanese civil society can play further constructive roles by (1) contributing to the first Meeting of States Parties (MSP) to the TPNW to be held in March 2022, particularly in the areas of victim assistance and environmental remediation by sharing Japan's experiences following the atomic bombings, (2) engaging in discussion on nuclear disarmament verification, including at the MSP, and (3) presenting the legal and political points required for Japan's signature and ratification to the TPNW for public debates.