The United Nations (UN)’s Disarmament Week is annually observed across the globe in the week starting from 24th October, the foundation day of the UN.
The UN’s Disarmament Week is observed from 24th to 30th October.
Disarmament Week observance aims to promote awareness about several disarmament issues and encourage to study and research on disarmament.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/S-10/2 (p. 102)- Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the General Assembly and proclaimed the week starting from 24th October as a week devoted to fostering the objectives of disarmament.
ii.In 1995, UNGA adopted the resolution A/RES/50/72 and invited the Governments and international and national non-governmental organizations to actively take part in the observance of Disarmament Week.
UN’s effort towards Disarmament:
Disarmament is the act of reducing, limiting, or abolishing weapons and it often refers to the total elimination of mass destruction weapons like nuclear weapons.
Securing our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament:
In 2018, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, launched ‘Securing our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament’, outlining a vision of disarmament actions to support sustainable peace and security for all.
4 key pillars of the Agenda:
- Disarmament that saves humanity
- Disarmament that saves lives
- Disarmament for future generations
- Strengthening partnerships for disarmament
Disarmament & SDG:
Disarmament is related to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including the SDGs related to peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), economic growth (SDG 8), health (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), and safe cities and communities (SDG 11).
UN’s Disarmament Body: UNODA
i.The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) was established to support UN in its work to advance international peace and security through the elimination of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
ii.UNODA was established in 1998 as Department for Disarmament Affairs.
iii.It was originally established in 1982 on the recommendation of UNGA’s 2nd special session on disarmament (SSOD II). it was renamed in 1992 as “Centre for Disarmament Affairs, under the Department of Political Affairs”.
iv.In 1997 it was renamed as Department for Disarmament Affairs and in 2007 it became UNODA.
About United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs(UNODA):
High Representative– Izumi Nakamitsu
Headquarters– New York, United States of America
Established in January 1998
