Kazakhstan Leads Global Push for Nuclear Denuclearization Amid High Conflict – World Issues
TOKYO/ASTANA, Aug 19 (IPS) – In a world increasingly haunted by the threat of nuclear conflict, Kazakhstan is stepping up its efforts in the global disarmament effort. On August 27-28, 2024, in cooperation with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Kazakhstan will host an important workshop in Astana. The forum, the first of its kind in five years, is planned to renew the five existing Nuclear Weapon Free Zones (NWFZs) and promote cooperation and consultation among them.
This initiative is in line with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ Agenda for Disarmament, particularly Action 5, which emphasizes strengthening the NWFZ through improved interregional cooperation, urging nuclear-armed countries to respect relevant agreements, and supporting the establishment of new zones , like in the Middle East. This effort reflects the continued pressure of the world community to reduce the nuclear threat and promote regional and global peace.
Kazakhstan’s Historical Commitment to Disarmament
Kazakhstan’s vision of a nuclear-free world is deeply rooted in its leadership in global disarmament efforts. This vision is not just wishful thinking; based on the world’s lived experience of the negative impact of nuclear weapons. The Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeastern Kazakhstan, commonly referred to as the “Polygon,” was the site of 456 nuclear tests conducted by the Soviet Union between 1949 and 1989. These tests expose more than 1.5 million people to radiation, causing serious health effects, including cancer and birth defects, as well as environmental degradation.
Kazakhstan’s commitment to disarmament is also highlighted by its plan to establish August 29 as the International Day Against Nuclear Weapons Tests, recognized by the United Nations. The day commemorates both the first Soviet nuclear test at Semipalatinsk in 1949 and the site’s closure in 1991, serving as a reminder of the horrors of nuclear testing and a call to action by the global community.
Role of NWFZs in Global Security
NWFZs are important components of the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament architecture. There are five established NWFZs, created by treaties: Treaty of Tlatelolco (Latin America and the Caribbean), Treaty of Rarotonga (South Pacific), Treaty of Bangkok (Southeast Asia), Treaty of Pelindaba (Africa), Treaty of Semey (Central Asia) ) In addition, Mongolia’s unique status as a self-proclaimed nuclear-weapon-free state, recognized by a United Nations resolution, demonstrates the country’s commitment to non-proliferation.
These zones prohibit the presence of nuclear weapons within their territories, which is reinforced by international verification and control systems. NWFZs play an important role in maintaining regional stability, in reducing the risk of nuclear conflict, and in promoting global disarmament.
The Astana Workshop: A Critical Forum for Disarmament
The upcoming workshop in Astana is an important opportunity for country-parties to the five NWFZ agreements, as well as representatives of international organizations, to engage in important discussions aimed at overcoming the challenges facing these areas. The gathering is particularly timely, given the growing political tensions in regions where nuclear power remains central to national security.
The main focus of the workshop will be on developing cooperation between NWFZs, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s Disarmament Plan. This includes facilitating inter-regional consultation and encouraging nuclear-armed states to comply with the provisions of these treaties. The workshop builds on the 2019 seminar titled “Cooperation Between Nuclear Weapon Free Zones and Mongolia,” jointly organized by UNODA and Kazakhstan in Nur-Sultan(Astana), which produced important recommendations aimed at revitalizing cooperation between NWFZs.
Participants will discuss strategies for furthering the objectives of NWFZs, with an emphasis on strengthening member countries’ security interests and promoting strong consultation mechanisms. The workshop will also address the challenges posed by the reluctance of some nuclear-armed states, particularly the United States, to strengthen agreements related to several NWFZ agreements. Despite being a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the US has yet to ratify treaty agreements that include the South Pacific (Treaty of Rarotonga), Africa (Treaty of Pelindaba), and Central Asia. This reluctance has prevented the full realization of the security benefits that these facilities can provide.
Kazakhstan’s leadership in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)
Kazakhstan’s role in nuclear disarmament extends beyond the NWFZ to include leadership in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). In March 2025, Kazakhstan will host the Third Meeting of States Parties to the TPNW at the United Nations, strengthening its position as a non-nuclear-weapon.
Kazakhstan has been advocating for the TPNW and pushing for the creation of an international fund to support victims of nuclear tests and repair facilities affected by nuclear activities, in accordance with Articles 6 and 7 of the treaty.
The Vienna Action Plan, developed during the First Meeting of the United States on the TPNW ((((MSP)))) outlines actions to implement these topics, including exploring the possibility of an international trust fund and encouraging the states concerned to assess the effects of the use of nuclear weapons and testing and developing national programs to be implemented.
At the Second Multilateral Meeting (2MSP), co-chaired by Kazakhstan and Kiribati, progress has been made, but challenges remain. The informal working group on victim assistance, environmental rehabilitation, and international cooperation presented a report, and its mandate was renewed, with the aim of submitting recommendations for the establishment of an international financial fund at the Third United Nations Meeting (3MSP). Kazakhstan’s leadership in this area reiterates its commitment to addressing the humanitarian implications of nuclear weapons, drawing on its experience and the tragic consequences of the nuclear weapons test in Semipalatinsk.
The Important Role of Civil Society
As part of the two-day event, Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Japan and the Center for International Security and Policy (CISP) will hold a side event on the evening of September 28 to screen the documentary “I Want to Live Over: Untold Stories of the Polygon,” highlighting the survivors of the nuclear weapons test in Semipalatinsk. This document, produced by CISP with the support of SGI, was first shown to the UN during the second meeting of state parties to the TPNW in 2023. This side event is part of a wider program of -SGI and Kazakhstan, who have organized several events focusing on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons at the UN, Vienna, and Astana in recent years.
In addition to the Astana workshop, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) will hold a conference convening civil society organizations and activists including the Hibakusha of some countries. This convergence of government and civil society efforts in Astana marks an important moment in the global disarmament struggle. While diplomats and state representatives discuss policy and cooperation during the official workshop, similar activities organized by the public will amplify the message of humanity and emphasize the urgent need for a world without nuclear weapons.
As world tensions grow, the Astana workshop represents a glimmer of hope, a critical moment in the international movement toward disarmament. Through cooperation, dialogue, and a shared commitment to peace, the dream of a world without nuclear weapons is within reach. Kazakhstan, with the support of the international community, is at the forefront of this important effort.
INPS Japan/IPS UN Bureau
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© Inter Press Service (2024) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
