Latest developments
In the First Committee of the 2021 UN General Assembly, Ireland said: 'A vision of a more peaceful world, underpinned by the political will to achieve it, led Ireland and a large majority of States to adopt the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in 2017. Ireland is proud of its role in the negotiation of the Treaty, which entered into force in January this year. We look forward to the First Meeting of States Parties, which will take place in Vienna in March next year, where States Parties will set out concrete plans for the full implementation of the Treaty’s humanitarian-centred objectives. The Treaty has already re-energised debate on nuclear disarmament, and for many States acts as a practical expression of their commitment to implement Article VI of the NPT. The Meeting of States Parties is open to all states to attend as observers and Ireland reiterates that states not party to the Treaty are most welcome to join as observers in Vienna; we encourage all shades of opinion to participate and engage in constructive discussion.'1
Ireland was one of the co-sponsors of the 2021 UN General Assembly resolution on the TPNW, which called 'upon all States that have not yet done so to sign, ratify, accept, approve or accede to the Treaty at the earliest possible date'.2
Recommendations
- Ireland should continue to encourage other states to adhere to the TPNW.
- Ireland should ensure that all the TPNW obligations are implemented domestically, through legal, administrative, and other necessary measures.