22 January 2014: the year to negotiate an international ban on nuclear weapons?

Noël Stott, Senior Research Fellow, Transnational Threats and International Crime Division, ISS Pretoria

The potential humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons is increasingly recognised as a global concern that ought to be at the core of all discussions of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Starting with the 2010 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), many governments have expressed their ‘deep concern at the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons’ and reaffirmed ‘the need for all States at all times to comply with applicable international law, including international humanitarian law.’ 

Seminar: The humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapon use: Reshaping the disarmament debate?

Date: 30 October 2013
Time: 10h00 - 12h30
Venue: Conference Room, ISS Pretoria

In November 2011, the Council of Delegates of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement adopted a resolution calling on its members to raise awareness of the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons. In March 2013 Norway held a global meeting to address the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons, and Mexico has announced that it will host a follow-up meeting in 2014.

These developments all reflect a shift from the traditional military discourse of nuclear deterrence to a focus on the humanitarian impact of these weapons, and come at a time when the call for a treaty to ban nuclear weapons is gaining momentum.

This joint International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) – ISS seminar will discuss the humanitarian effects of nuclear weapons and explore the way forward for states and civil society.

Welcome and opening remarks: Noel Stott, Senior Research Fellow, Transnational Threats and International Crime Division, ISS Pretoria

The humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons: the current dynamic: Dr Patricia Lewis, Chatham House, London

The way forward: Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO), South Africa; His Excellency Ambassador Héctor Valezzi, Embassy of Mexico, Pretoria, and Sarah Swart, Regional Legal Advisor, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Pretoria

This event is made possible through funding provided by the Royal Norwegian Government. The ISS is also grateful for the support of the following core partners: the governments of Norway, Sweden, Australia and Denmark.

Venue: Conference Room
ISS Pretoria

RSVP: Ms Agar Ngwenya
Phone: +27 12 346 9500
Email: angwenya@issafrica.org

Enquiries: Noel Stott
Phone: +27 12 346 9500
Email: nstott@issafrica.org