The positive obligations of the TPNW

In addition to its comprehensive prohibitions, the TPNW obligates its states parties to take a number of positive measures to implement the Treaty. In the sections in the menu on the left, interpretations of the TPNW’s positive obligations are set out and states parties’ compliance is assessed. Where relevant, the Nuclear Weapons Ban Monitor also reviews the global status in observance of the norms that the TPNW’s positive obligations seek to promote or establish in order to prevent and remediate harm inflicted by nuclear weapons.

Most of the positive obligations do not set out specific deadlines or criteria for the states parties to meet, but are rather long-term goals to work towards in good faith. Implementation is therefore in its early stages. Furthermore, certain of the TPNW’s positive obligations also only apply to nuclear-armed states or states with foreign nuclear weapons on their territory, none of which has yet adhered to the Treaty.

Positive obligations are key elements of humanitarian disarmament treaties. The parallel positive obligations in the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) and the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) have significantly enhanced their humanitarian impact. While much work remains to be done, the obligations in those treaties have led to a dramatic reduction in the stockpiles of banned weapons, clearance of wide swathes of land, vital support for victims, and an increase in international assistance from states parties as well as states not party. The positive obligations of the TPNW will similarly advance the Treaty’s broader humanitarian and developmental goals.