As governments work to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, progress continues to be made towards eliminating another great threat to humanity: nuclear weapons. On 20 March, Namibia became the 36th nation to ratify or accede to the landmark 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which establishes a categorical ban on the worst weapons of mass destruction and provides a pathway to their total elimination. Several other nations have also recently indicated that, despite these very difficult times, they are continuing to take steps towards ratifying the TPNW.

Given the clear relationship between nuclear weapons and gender, nuclear disarmament must be raised in conversations about gender, women’s rights and equality. This briefing paper breaks down that relationship and the importance of states addressing the specific impact of nuclear weapons on women and girls, work to ensure full representation of women in weapons negotiations and sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Ahead of the NPT Review Conference in May 2020, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have brought together experts and government representatives in Geneva to discuss the humanitarian consequences and the growing risks of nuclear weapons for a one-day expert meeting

The catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons (by intent, accident or miscalculation) anywhere in the world threatens the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals. By banning and working towards the elimination of nuclear weapons, the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) reinforces implementation of the SDGs. This document breaks down how the TPNW contributes to the SDGs. 

In a speech outlining his vision for France’s nuclear deterrence strategy, President Macron touted the role of nuclear weapons in European security policy and dismissed calls for their global abolition as an ‘ethical debate’ that lacked ‘realism in the strategic context.’ Meanwhile, Elysee has yet to respond to an invitation to meet renowned Hiroshima survivor Setsuko Thurlow, while she is in Paris next week.

On 6 February, Belize became the 81st country to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons – a landmark global agreement that outlaws nuclear weapons comprehensively and establishes a legal framework for their total elimination. Belize is the 10th member of the Caribbean Community, or CARICOM, to sign the treaty, after Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago.  

Supporting Capacity Building and Advocacy Towards Entry Into Force (EIF) of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)

Funded by the City and Canton of Geneva
Administered by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN)

In order to ensure that the remaining 15 ratifications towards entry into force materialize in 2020, ICAN seeks to build the capacity of our campaigners to engage in direct advocacy with government officials and members of parliament in countries that are yet to sign and/or ratify. The objective of this fund is to support ​specific and time-bound activities, ​aimed at encouraging and enable national and regional progress towards entry into force of the TPNW in 2020. As per donors' requirement, preference will be given to activities in Africa that could result in signatures and/or ratifications in 2020.

How to Apply

The application process for funding is ongoing throughout the year.  Please review the Application Guidelines carefully to see if your activity is eligible.

Download the Application Guidelines

All applications must be made using the ICAN Fund for EIF Application Form. The form should be filled in and submitted electronically to: eif-funds[at]icanw.org

Download the Form

On 23 January, Paraguay became the 35th country to ratify the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapon. Only 15 further ratifications are now needed to bring this landmark treaty – which places nuclear weapons on the same legal footing as chemical and biological weapons – into force.

On Thursday, Belgian MPs will vote on a resolution proposing to remove US nuclear weapons stationed in the country, and join the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

UPDATE 17/01: Despite a close-run vote, the resolution did not pass (74 against vs 66 in favour).  The close margin indicates how controversial the presence of US nuclear weapons on Belgian territory is to both citizens and the 66 elected representatives that voted in favour of removing those weapons and joining the UN #nuclearban treaty.