The United Nations (UN)’s Disarmament Week is annually observed across the globe in the week starting from 24 October, the anniversary of the founding of the UN, to promote awareness of disarmament initiatives that have been historically used by countries throughout the world to establish international peace and security.
- The UN Disarmament Week is observed from 24-30 October.
This week-long campaign emphasizes the urgency of reducing the proliferation of weapons, be they nuclear, chemical, biological, or conventional, that pose risks to human lives and global stability.
- The annual event of Disarmament Week is organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/S-10/2 (The Final Document of the 10th Special Session of the UNGA) in 1978 and proclaimed the week starting on 24th October, foundation day of the UN, as a week devoted to promote the objectives of disarmament.
ii.In 1995, UNGA adopted the resolution A/RES/50/72 B and invited governments, as well as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), to actively take part in the observance of Disarmament Week in order to promote a better understanding among the public of disarmament issues.
Disarmament:
Disarmament refers to the act reducing, limiting, or completely abolishing specific types of weaponry (like nuclear weapons) either unilaterally or reciprocally. This is a tool to help prevent armed conflict and to mitigate its impact when it occurs.
Agenda for Disarmament:
i.In 2018, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched Securing our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament.
ii.The agenda outlines strategic measures aimed at advancing sustainable peace and security across the globe.
Key Pillars of Agenda for Disarmament:
- Disarmament to Save Humanity
- Disarmament that Save Lives
- Disarmament for Future Generations
- Strengthening Partnerships for Disarmament
About UNODA:
i.UNODA, the UN’s Disarmament body established in January 1998 as the Department for Disarmament Affairs.
ii.UNODA supports the development and implementation of practical disarmament measures after a conflict.
iii.It was originally established in 1982 upon the recommendation of the UNGA’s 2nd special session on disarmament (SSOD II).
iv.In 1992, the name was changed to Centre for Disarmament Affairs, under the Disarmament of Political Affairs.
v.At the end of 1997, it was renamed the Department for Disarmament Affairs, and in 2007, it became the UNODA.
About United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA):
Under-Secretary-General(USG)Â and High Representative(HR) for Disarmament Affairs– Izumi Nakamitsu(Japan)
Headquarters– New York, the United States of America (USA)
Established – 1998
