Latest developments
In First Committee of the 2020 UN General Assembly, Guyana said: 'Guyana remains concerned at the continued existence of nuclear weapons despite the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences that would be occasioned by their use and which we have already seen. We are equally concerned at the promulgation of the idea that nuclear weapons are important for security and are disappointed that resources continue to be invested in nuclear weapon modernization programmes. As a developing country, Guyana deems it unconscionable that resources would be utilized on weapons of mass destruction while millions of the world’s people are mired in poverty. Guyana is firm in its conviction that nuclear weapons have no place in our world and that their continued existence is contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations and to the spirit of the Charter. We express our strong support for the [TPNW] and recognize the important contribution that the Treaty makes in closing an important legal gap and in strengthening the global norm for the total elimination of nuclear weapons. [...] We urge all Member States to ratify the Treaty with urgency in a tangible show of commitment to the goal of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.' See: bit.ly/3fs0zyZ.
Recommendations
- Guyana should continue to encourage other states to adhere to the TPNW.
- Guyana should ensure that all the TPNW obligations are implemented domestically, through legal, administrative, and other necessary measures.
- Guyana should conclude and bring into force an Additional Protocol (AP) with the IAEA.
