Disarmament Week

Disarmament Week starts on October 24th and ends on October 30th. It is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of the current proliferation of nuclear weapons and the continuation of the arms race.

This is mainly a week that is observed by member states of the UN, but it is certainly a topic that all of us should think about from time to time. Disarmament has been a strategy that countries have used throughout history to create a world that is safer and ultimately more secure.

Although it might seem illogical that a country can actually increase its security by reducing its stockpile, the fact of the matter is that when war breaks out, security is reduced for everyone involved. It is for that reason alone that disarmament campaigns are so important.

The History of Disarmament Week

In 1978, the United Nations created Disarmament Week during a Special Session of the General Assembly. During this session, they encouraged the Member States to seek security through disarmament and to use diplomacy, not military might, to solve breakdowns in diplomacy.

Seventeen years later, in 1995, the United Nations invited the U.S. government and non-government organizations (NGOs) to also participate in Disarmament Week. They did this to give the general public a better idea of the issues surrounding disarmament.

Facts About Nuclear Armaments

The subject at hand is disarmament, and that subject can include a variety of sub-topics, including land mine proliferation, small arms sales, and other issues affecting modern countries. It also covers nuclear armaments, a topic that we’re now going to talk a little bit about by providing a few informative facts on the subject below.

  • In 1970, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons was signed by the U.S. and other countries.
  • Approximately 191 countries are now part of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
  • If nuclear missiles were launched, it is believed that the U.S. President would have 12 minutes to decide whether a retaliatory strike should happen.

Observing Disarmament Week

The United Nations, Member States, and NGOs focus on disarmament during this week, mainly nuclear disarmament. They also work on other disarmament problems, including the proliferation of land mines leftover from previous wars, and the illegal sale of small arms across the planet. People can participate in the celebration of this week by using the hashtag #DisarmamentWeek on social media.

When is it?
This year (2024)
October 24 Thursday
Next year (2025)
October 24 Friday
Last year (2023)
October 24 Tuesday
Topic
Awareness & Cause, United Nations