To mark the entry into force of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, Amnesty International has written to Defence Minister Linda Reynolds asking her to sign the treaty.
The treaty makes it illegal under international law to develop, test, possess, host, use or threaten to use nuclear weapons. Whilst two-thirds of UN member states have signed the treaty, Australia has not.
Australia’s reluctance to sign the treaty is due to the US’ capacity to use its nuclear weapons on behalf of Australia, for its direct or indirect protection.
The use of nuclear weapons is incompatible with the protection of human rights, including the right to peace and the right to life. It is also a threat to people’s right to be free from torture.
Amnesty International Australia has asked Minister Reynolds to sign the treaty to send a strong message to the world that it is the right thing to do to aim for a nuclear-free-world.
Amnesty International Australia has also written to the Shadow Minister for Defence, Richard Marles MP, and the Greens’ spokesperson for Peace and Disarmament, Senator Jordon Steele-John.
