New York: In a significant appeal coinciding with the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, the United Nations Secretary-General has urged for an immediate and unconditional ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), emphasizing the urgent need to ban nuclear testing globally. The statement highlighted the devastating impacts of over 2,000 nuclear tests conducted worldwide, which have left lasting destruction on lands and adverse health effects on populations.

According to United Nations Pakistan, the Secretary-General’s message pointed out the alarming trend of renewed calls for nuclear testing, underscoring that the lessons from past devastations seem to be fading from collective memory. The CTBT, which remains the sole global prohibition against all nuclear tests, is yet to be enforced owing to pending ratifications from key nations.

The Secretary-General’s call was a reminder of the treaty’s role as a crucial, verifiable security measure that not only helps in preventing further environmental and humanitarian disasters but also serves as a significant step towards global disarmament. He stressed the importance of global unity in ending the practice of nuclear testing, invoking the responsibility towards victims of past tests and future generations.

The appeal was made on the occasion of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, established to foster a global environment free from nuclear tests. The Secretary-General’s message serves as a rallying cry for nations to commit to a safer, more secure world where humanity does not have to endure the threats posed by nuclear testing.