Feature story
The WCC supported a Joint Interfaith Statement delivered on 1 May during the conference plenary and endorsed by 106 organizations, emphasizing the urgent need for action on escalating nuclear threats.
The statement declares the treaty in crisis, as nuclear-armed states modernize arsenals and abandon their disarmament commitments Article 6 of the treaty. The statement condemns the normalization of nuclear violence as a spiritual sickness, with faith leaders urging global leaders to honour the treaty’s requirements of verifiable disarmament, a moratorium on new warheads, and a return to negotiations. The statement calls for the centering of human security over state interests, and the heeding of the voices of hibakusha and future generations to create a nuclear-free world.
The statement issues a call to action: “If states truly believe the NPT is the cornerstone as they repeatedly say it is, then they must stop undermining its foundations.”
Peter Prove, WCC director of international affairs, participated in the conference and noted some encouraging developments, including that many delegations stressed the catastrophic impacts of nuclear weapons, the obligation under Article 6 of the NPT to pursue rapid disarmament, and concerns about extended deterrence and nuclear sharing. Several states also called for recognition of the importance of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). However, he expressed regret that the nuclear-weapons states and their allies avoided the implications of Article 6, promoted the doctrine of nuclear deterrence, and falsely claimed that the TPNW is contrary to the NPT. “They continued to use the NPT as a fig leaf to retain nuclear privileges while strengthening their arsenals,” said Prove. “Meaningful conversations were held with representatives of non-nuclear-armed umbrella states on the ethics of nuclear deterrence, and the WCC will follow up on these discussions.”
Also in May, the 52nd session of the Universal Periodic Review (4–15 May), took place. Belgium and Denmark were amongst the 14 countries reviewed at this session, and both received recommendations urging them to ratify the TPNW. IN addition, Belgium was encouraged to participate as an observer in the meetings of the TPNW, and to adopt measures for the withdrawal of nuclear weapons from its territory.
“The WCC urges both countries to accept these recommendations,” concluded Prove.
Learn more about the WCC work on arms control and disarmament
