Geneva, On the eve of the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, UN human rights experts have issued a compelling call to states worldwide to address the significant human rights impact of nuclear testing. The experts highlighted the enduring global issue of nuclear legacy, which has far-reaching implications for human rights, emphasizing the importance of remembrance in confronting this legacy. The statement comes as the world marks the 70th anniversary of the Castle Bravo nuclear test in the Marshall Islands, underscoring the ongoing adverse effects of nuclear contamination on the rights of the Marshall Islands people.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the legacy of nuclear testing spans from the Pacific to West Asia, Central Asia, and North Africa, affecting non-self-governing and Indigenous peoples and leaving a trail of human rights violations. The Human Rights Council’s resolution 51/35 recognizes the lasting impact of nuclear waste and radiation from decades of testing in the Marshall Islands, highlighting the disproportionate effects on women and girls and the need for states to commit to disarmament and the realisation of human rights.

The statement stresses the importance of mechanisms for truth, accountability, and reparation for past violations, in line with international standards. It calls for global reflection and mobilisation towards disarmament and non-proliferation, reminding of the nearly 13,000 nuclear weapons stockpiled worldwide amid proliferating global conflicts. The experts advocate for support of the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which offers a pathway to addressing the challenges of the nuclear legacy through victim assistance, environmental remediation, and international cooperation.

As the world observes the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, the UN’s message is clear: embracing disarmament and non-proliferation is crucial for ensuring human rights and a sustainable future for all.