Countdown to Nuclear Disarmament
Steps To make the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty deliver at the NPT Review in May 2005
Christian CND asks what steps the Nuclear Weapons States (NWS) are taking to
implement their "unequivocal undertaking" to accomplish "the
total elimination of their nuclear arsenals leading to nuclear
disarmament" as committed to by the Final Document at the 2000 Review
Conference of the nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT).
The Non-Nuclear States (NNWS) renewed their commitment to refrain from
developing their own nuclear weapons on the understanding that the NWS would
honour Article VI and eliminate their own nuclear arsenals.
Our aims: to build a growing movement to put pressure on the NWS to honour
their commitment. The NPT came up for renewal in 2005. To prepare for this,
Christian CND planned a campaign of action.
Our activities consisted of:
 Raising consciousness of the NPT within the Churches and by
individuals so they debate the morality and legality of nuclear weapons in
their various synods and assemblies. Read a letter here from some Church
leaders on the NPT.
Campaigning through the
churches and faith communities
Publicising the campaign
using church and national presses
Distributing a Churches Pack
entitled “Nuclear Weapons - What can Christians do?” For a copy please
contact the office or download a PDF copy from this link. If you can distribute flyers publicising
this information pack to your local churches please let us know. This pack has been updated and is still
relevant. If you have ordered a pack already you will be sent updated sheets.
Promoting education on
existing treaties
Highlighting the links with
the global arms trade which prevents disarmament
Building up a relationship
with decision-makers through dialogue, including lobbying at the Conference
on Disarmament (CD) at Geneva
and at the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference
Organising a daily vigil at
the NPT Review Conference in May 2005. See our news
page for more details
Organising annual embassies
walks – we visited the London
embassies of the Nuclear Weapons States to ask how they are progressing with
their promise to abandon their nuclear weapons. We also visited the embassies
of the New Agenda Coalition to thank them in their efforts and offer
solidarity.
Publicising an annual “report
card” on progress made
Educating ourselves and our
friends. We have organised “Treaties Day Schools” in Oxford
and London,
with expert speakers on topics such as the various treaties, campaigning,
letter-writing, the United Nations and more. Contact us for background papers for the various
day schools.
By these means we hoped the NPT conference of 2005 would pay more than
lip-service to the frequently repeated commitment by NWS to seek the total
elimination of the world's nuclear arsenals. Only nuclear disarmament can
make the planet safer for future generations. Only nuclear disarmament can
make the proposed missile defence shield totally unnecessary. In addition to
the NPT, Christian CND would like to see the Comprehensive
Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) ratified and progress made on agreement on a
Nuclear Weapons Convention.
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