UNFOLD ZERO greets all governments participating in the UN Open Ended Working Group on nuclear disarmament (OEWG) on May 2-13 and the Conference on Disarmament (CD) from May 16-July 1.
We encourage you to deliberate in good faith on the proposals being submitted to the OEWG and CD on reducing nuclear risks and commencing multilateral negotiations for nuclear disarmament.
We recommend you view the report by the Middle Powers Initiative on the Framework Forum round-table of governments and disarmament experts which was hosted by the Canadian Mission to the United Nations in Geneva on April 18.
Representatives from twenty-two governments took part, including a number from non-nuclear States, some from countries that are part of nuclear-security alliances, and two from nuclear-armed States (the USA and UK).
The event focused on:
- Political and security challenges and opportunities;
- Possible measures to take forward nuclear disarmament;
- Prospects for success.
Proposals to the OEWG
In light of the discussions at the round-table, the Middle Powers Initiative has submitted a working paper to the OEWG exploring the idea of a nuclear disarmament framework agreement. The paper suggests that this might be the best option for negotiations as it can be flexible enough to include proposals for comprehensive disarmament put forward by non-nuclear States, as well as the more measured 'building blocks' proposals put forward primarily by nuclear reliant States.
The Middle Powers Initiative has also submitted a working paper calling for a series of Nuclear Disarmament Summits in order to elevate political traction to achieve nuclear-risk reduction and disarmament measures.
UNFOLD ZERO social media actions
UNFOLD ZERO this week launched #LetsTalkNukes, a social media action for civil society to express their views to governments on what should be done for nuclear disarmament. We hope that you find the views of civil society, especially from your country, useful in your important diplomatic work.
UNFOLD ZERO will be reporting on the results of #LetsTalkNukes to the OEWG at an event Global support and political will for nuclear disarmament, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on May 12.
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Yours sincerely
UNFOLD ZERO
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