Abuja (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) welcomes Nigeria's commitment to contribute to a global ban on nuclear weapons by ratifying the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons on 6 August 2020. Nigeria signed the Treaty on 20 September 2017, after it was adopted by a United Nations diplomatic conference.
The treaty prohibits the development, testing, production, stockpiling, stationing, transfer, use and threat of use of nuclear weapons. For nuclear-armed states that join the treaty, it provides for a time-bound framework for the verified elimination of their nuclear weapons program.
"The ratification of this important legal instrument by Nigeria is commendable. It is a step on the way to global prohibition of nuclear weapons," said Anne Lardy, legal advisor at the ICRC.
This week marks seventy-five years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the tragedy that showed the world the devastating and irreversible effects of nuclear weapons. The use of nuclear weapons is abhorrent to the principles of humanity and the dictates of public conscience and the Treaty recognizes it. The ICRC will continue to promote the adherence to the Treaty by all States, including those that possess, or are associated with, nuclear weapons.
For further information or to set up interviews, please contact:
Aliyu Dawobe, ICRC Abuja, +234 803 953 4881
Robin Waudo, ICRC Abuja, +234 703 595 4168
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