Reflecting on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
The Second Meeting of State Parties (2MSP) for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) convened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from November 27 to December 1. The TPNW, an international agreement, outlines a comprehensive set of prohibitions aimed at curbing engagement in any nuclear weapon activities. These prohibitions span activities such as development, testing, production, acquisition, possession, stockpiling, use, or threats to use nuclear weapons.
Board Member Maral Hassanshahi with Grassroots Organizing & Policy Coordinator Maylene Hughes
Among the attendees were PSR-LA Board President Dr. Bod Dodge, accompanied by Board Member Maral Hassanshahi, and PSR-LA staff members Denise Duffield, Alex Jasset, and Maylene Hughes. Their participation extended beyond the main proceedings, as they engaged in side events alongside allied partners, including the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and Back from the Brink.
For a reflection on the events during this crucial week, continue reading below.
BY: ALEX JASSET, DIRECTOR OF ENERGY JUSTICE
As I reflect on the profound challenges and the expansive opportunities PSR-LA has faced this year, I’m deeply grateful for your commitment to this organization that allows us to tackle some of the thorniest issues threatening our communities in pursuit of a more just and equitable future.
One of those issues is the abolition of nuclear weapons. We all know that these weapons if used, would cause immeasurable and lasting health and environmental damage for generations to come. But we often forget about the damage that these weapons have already done, as well as the ongoing damage they do every day of their continued existence.
I was fortunate enough to join some of you in NYC for the 2MSP for the TPNW), where we heard firsthand about the toll these weapons have taken. Communities and countries spoke out against the oppressive and racist actions that have guided nuclear weapons development, testing, and use, and how we’re working toward the only sustainable cure: total and permanent elimination of all nuclear weapons.
In the U.S., where we face a government and military-industrial complex that is unified in its commitment to the flawed theory of deterrence, hope can be rare. Globally, however, there is such excitement about this issue, particularly from younger activists from around the world who shared their stories of pushing their countries to support the Treaty and celebrated the victory of making nuclear weapons illegal for the 93 signatories and 69 State Parties that are committed to the Treaty. Critically, the Treaty also ensures justice for impacted communities, which must go hand in hand with abolition.
The work to expand the Treaty’s footprint continues, especially with respect to the countries that currently possess nuclear weapons. In order to move toward abolition here in the U.S., we need to fundamentally rethink our national security approach, moving from a fear-based strategy of imperialism and dominance to a cooperative strategy that recognizes our growing interconnectedness and the need for environmental and economic justice.
