Secretary-General Welcomes Entry into Force of First Global Nuclear Treaty in Decades, Praises Survivors’ Testimony as Driving ‘Moral Force’

Following is the text of UN Secretary‑General António Guterres’ video message on the occasion of the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, today:

I am pleased to recognize today’s entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons — the first multilateral nuclear disarmament treaty in more than two decades.  The Treaty is an important step towards the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons and a strong demonstration of support for multilateral approaches to nuclear disarmament. 

I commend the States that have ratified the Treaty and welcome the instrumental role of civil society in advancing negotiation and entry into force.  The survivors of nuclear explosions and nuclear tests offered tragic testimonies and were a moral force behind the Treaty.  Entry into force is a tribute to their enduring advocacy.

I look forward to carrying out the functions assigned by the Treaty, including in preparation for the first Meeting of States Parties.

Nuclear weapons pose growing dangers and the world needs urgent action to ensure their elimination and prevent the catastrophic human and environmental consequences any use would cause.  The elimination of nuclear weapons remains the highest disarmament priority of the United Nations.  I call on all States to work together to realize this ambition to advance common security and collective safety.