THE INTERPRETER

Marianne Hanson reiterates that the TPNW treaty works on the basis of a universal obligation to humanitarianism by rejecting all states from the possession of WMDs. Thus, it is argued that Australia joining the treaty will signal its commitment to a rules-based order in which international law, humanitarianism, and respect for multilateralism take precedence. Learn more.

“Last week saw the 50th state ratification of the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). In just under 90 days, the treaty will enter into force, and at that point, nuclear weapons – like chemical and biological weapons, the other kinds of weapon of mass destruction – will become illegal under international law.

The TPNW makes it illegal to manufacture, transfer, possess, use or threaten to use nuclear weapons; it also makes it illegal to assist any state in these activities.”

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