Topic: Recommendations for the 2015 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Rachel Westrick
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Nigeria position papers GLIMUN 2014 committees
The introduction of nuclear warfare in 1945 and the escalated development and testing of nuclear weapons in the 1950s to 1980s have left the goal of global peace and security crippled until today. The continued existence of nuclear weapons in any States heightens the danger of nuclear war and the devastation that follows. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which entered into force in 1970 and extended indefinitely in 1995, commits nuclear-weapon states (NWS) and non-nuclear-weapon states (NNWS) alike to the pursuit of general and complete disarmament. NPT is founded a three-fold mandate, namely, nuclear nonproliferation, disarmament, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. As 2015 approaches, it becomes time to plan the 2015 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review to ensure that the NPT remains effective in inhibiting the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology. With the rise of new issues and challenges such as the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, it becomes crucial that the Preparatory Committee finds ways to overcome these challenges and promote safety through the higher goal of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is committed to the cause of nuclear disarmament and have been in the vanguard of campaign for a strong NPT. In addition to NPT, Nigeria supports the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and has been a large and active part in the process to make Africa a nuclear-weapon-free zone. It is impossible to maintain international peace and soundness until measures are taken to create a nuclear-free world. Although Nigeria firmly believes in the importance of nuclear non-proliferation and the goal of ultimate disarmament, we believe just a strongly the importance of preserving the right of countries to utilize nuclear energy for developmental purposes. Nigeria works along side of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and we strongly call for actions to further promote the IAEA’s role in the NPT and elsewhere. Not only will this protect the peaceful nuclear interests of NNWS, but using nuclear resources will assist in addressing modern challenges such as climate change, energy security, and sustainable development, which will support the growth of prosperity in less developed African nations.
In addition to addressing the new issues and challenges to the goal of disarmament, Nigeria also suggests new measures to make the NPT more effective in all areas. First and foremost, Nigeria calls for a strict compliance to the NPT and for a universal, unconditional, and irreversible legally binding instrument under which NWS will guarantee not to threaten or use nuclear weapons against NNWS. Prevention of proliferation is constantly undermined by the indefinite possession of nuclear weapons in too many countries and their use in important security roles. Without strong measures to end this possession, the NPT cannot be meaningful and complete nuclear disarmament can never be achieved. Since complete disarmament has not yet been achieved, measures need to be taken to make the existence of nuclear weapons safer. It is necessary to create a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East and for States to commit to the moratorium on nuclear testing. As a confidence building quota and a small step to overall disarmament, Nigeria supports de-alerting (changes to nuclear weapons and weapons systems to increase the time needed for activation and combat) as a measure to decrease the risks of accidents and increase international safety from nuclear weapons. Because there are no perfect solutions for the disposal of nuclear waste, Nigeria strongly requests that whatever disposal measures taken will not harm the environment or community of where the nuclear waste is being disposed. Nigeria deplores the disposal of nuclear waste from outside States into the continent of Africa, and believes that measures should be taken to protect African interests. Nigeria also maintains the opinion that States have the undeniable right to the peaceful application of nuclear energy for electric and civil purposes. If some of these measures are added in the 2015 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review, the international community will grow safer from the dangers of nuclear warfare and and the ultimate goal of non-proliferation will be reached in the near future.
