Towards a World without Nuclear Weapons

Essay by Lai Chooi Ling from Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Josei Toda’s declaration for the abolition of nuclear weapons, the English edition of COSMIC organised an essay contest based on the theme of how we, the citizens of the world, can work constructively towards abolishment of nuclear weapons. The topic given was "Towards a World without Nuclear Weapons".

Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my point of view on "the global elimination of nuclear weapons".

Nuclear weapons bring the most serious potential mass threat to human, property and the world. It threatens the security of all states and global stability. After the Cold War, there was a call for prevention of the spread of nuclear weapons. Since then, many steps have been taken by several states included treaties making. One of the most important treaties made is the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)¹. So many years has passed after the NPT entered into force, yet the world cannot get rid of the threat from nuclear weapons. Today, it is the time for global elimination of nuclear weapons. This is the most urgent task in today’s world. Therefore, every state in the world is responsible to co-operate and work hand-in-hand to achieve the goal.

Today, the existence of NPT is meaningless. NPT prohibited all the non-nuclear weapons states from receiving, manufacturing or acquiring nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices but gave special treatment to the five declared nuclear weapons states (NWSs)². The five NWSs are still lawfully possessing nuclear weapons.³ This unfair treaty provokes mistrust and suspicion among NWSs and non-NWSs, and even among NWS and NWS. The present provisions in NPT are as ridiculous as giving someone a loaded gun and saying "you are to keep it and not use it at all." We would not know when the person with the gun will go insane and fire at us, just as we would not know what the NWSs will do with their nuclear weapons in hand. Therefore, there is a need for total banning on nuclear weapons globally. No any single state should lawfully possess any nuclear weapons.

To eliminate nuclear weapons globally is the most urgent task we face as one human race, especially in today’s world where terrorist attack is imminent. As long as there is nuclear weapons on the earth, there is possibility for the terrorist organisations to get hold the nuclear weapons. If this is the case, the whole human population is threatened. Therefore, to prevent unnecessary destruction towards humankind, we have to dismantle all the nuclear edifices and destroy all nuclear arsenals on the earth. This is very vital, before everything becomes too late.

Further, abolishing nuclear weapons is itself a kind of respect towards humanity and human rights. Mr.Josei Toda’s⁴ once said "Nuclear weapon is an absolute evil that threatens people’s inalienable right to life." Everyone enjoys rights to life under Universal Declaration of Human Rights⁵, therefore, we should not tolerate with these kinds of objects which violate our fundamental rights. If we fail to protect our own rights, we will lose our dignity as humans.

A single explosion of nuclear weapon not only kills, but leaves behind long-term effects, not only to the environment but to the development of nation states. This impact is global regardless where the explosion took place. It will also affect economic and social stability. The negative impact will extend to future generations.

To realise a world without nuclear weapons, the first thing we need to do is to conclude a new treaty which will ban and abolish all nuclear weapons in the world. As shown in Art VI of the NPT⁶, the treaty did not give effect to immediate disarmament but merely urged for another treaty on disarmament under strict and effective international control. Many years have passed after the NPT entered into force, but nothing much have been done, and now is the time for us to conclude another treaty for immediate disarmament.

Like other serious offences towards mankind such as slavery, genocide and terrorism, the wrong of possessing, manufacturing or acquiring nuclear weapons should be consider as a universal wrong (jus cogen), without exception to any party. If we observe the definition of "terrorist" under United Kingdom Terrorist Act 2000, ‘terrorism include use or threat of action includes serious violence against a person, causes damage to property, endangers persons’ life creates a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a sections of the public, or where the use or threat involves the use of fire arms or explosive.’ Examining the wording, there is no reason why the usage of nuclear weapons should not fall under this definition. Therefore, we should include the possession or manufacture of nuclear weapons as a universal wrong.

There is no reason for nuclear weapons exist in this world. The United Nations Charter (UNC) in Article 2(4)⁷ prohibited the use of force. Even there is exception; the exception in this Article reading together with Article 51⁸ did not allowed the usage of nuclear weapons. Besides, the usage of nuclear weapons is impliedly prohibited in the Geneva Convention.⁹ Further, quoting from Judge Weeramantry, "nuclear weapons could not be justified under any circumstances." Therefore, there is a need to expressly prohibit the use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances in all related international instruments including UNC and GC. Although this might seem to be redundant once the treaty to totally dismantle and destroy the nuclear weapons is created, these express prohibitions will play their role as double safeguards for the safety of the world.

In fact, no matter how well the law and the agreement are written down, the nightmare that has haunted the human race will still be there until and unless everyone stops violating the international agreements and UN Resolution. We should not leave out the provisions under Article 33¹⁰ UNC which states that parties must settle their disputes in a peaceful manner. Bearing this in mind, nuclear weapons and other use of force is unnecessary.

In working towards a world without nuclear weapons, besides governing states and individual behaviours via laws, the ultimate means is by instilling the value of mutual respect and mutual understanding among mankind. To achieve this, education plays an important role. Furthermore, a child is like a blank canvas and we as the painter, we can paint it as cheerfully as pink or as evil as black. By appreciating others culture, we will understand and respect each other from different culture. Once our compassion, love and humanity towards living creatures are awaken, there will be peace everywhere.

Last but not least, with sincere and heart-to-heart dialogue, we can transform mistrust to trust and misunderstanding to understanding. To invite all five NWSs to voluntarily dismantle their nuclear weapons and to stop other states and individuals from going after nuclear weapons, there is no other way but dialogue. Quoting Daisaku Ikeda’s words, "dialogue indeed has the power to unite mankind." It is via dialogue that the abolishment of nuclear weapons become possible.

Ladies and Gentlemen, crying out in opposition to war and nuclear weapons is the highest expression of human reason based on an unflinching perception of the dignity of life.¹¹ Nevertheless, to achieve global elimination of nuclear weapons, it is you, the leaders of the world who determines it. Thank you.

[ Courtesy December 2007 Cosmic]

(1) Nearly 190 states entered into the treaty.

(2) The five Nuclear Weapon States (NWSs) are the United States, Russian, United Kingdom, France and China.

(3) Article I NPT - Each nuclear-weapon State Party to the Treaty undertakes not to transfer to any recipient whatsoever nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices or control over such weapons or explosive devices directly, or indirectly; and not in any way to assist, encourage, or induce any non-nuclear weapon State to manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, or control over such weapons or explosive devices.
    Article II NPT - Each non-nuclear-weapon State Party to the Treaty undertakes not to receive the transfer from any transferor whatsoever of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices or of control over such weapons or explosive devices directly, or indirectly; not to manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices; and not to seek or receive any assistance in the manufacture of nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.

(4) Josei Toda, (1900-1958) 2nd President of Soka Gakkai.

(5) Article 3.UDHR - Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

(6) Article VI NPT - Each of the Parties to the Treaty undertakes to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, and on a Treaty on general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control.

(7) Art 2 UNC - The Organisation and its Members, in pursuit of the Purposes stated in Article 1, shall act in accordance with the following Principles. (4) All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.

(8) Article 51 UNC - Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. Measures taken by Members in the exercise of this right of self-defence shall be immediately reported to the Security Council and shall not in any way affect the authority and responsibility of the Security Council under the present Charter to take at any time such action as it deems necessary in order to maintain or restore international peace and security.

(9) Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 Aug 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol 1). Art 51 - Protection of the civilian population, Art 57 & 58, Precautionary measures.

(10) Article 33 UNC
1. The parties to any dispute, the continuance of which is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security, shall, first of all, seek a solution by negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangements, or other peaceful means of their own choice.
2. The Security Council shall, when it deems necessary, call upon the parties to settle their dispute by such means.

(11) "Presient ikeda Dialogue With Noble Peace Laureate Betty Williams", (March 2007) COSMIC at p.15.