Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

TPNW · Opened: 2021 · 93 parties

The first legally binding treaty explicitly prohibiting nuclear weapons. Supported by non-nuclear states and civil society; opposed by all nuclear-armed states and NATO members.

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TPNWAbbreviation

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2021Year

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93Parties

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In ForceStatus

01 Overview

The TPNW entered into force on January 22, 2021, becoming the first treaty to comprehensively prohibit nuclear weapons under international law. It bans development, testing, production, stockpiling, use, and threat of use of nuclear weapons. The treaty was negotiated at the UN in 2017 with 122 states voting in favour. However, all nine nuclear-armed states boycotted negotiations and do not recognise the treaty. All NATO member states also oppose it, arguing it undermines the NPT and security alliances. Proponents see it as a moral and legal norm-setter; critics argue it is ineffective without nuclear-armed states' participation.

02 Key Provisions

§Bans all forms of nuclear weapons activity

§Includes victim assistance and environmental remediation obligations

§Entered into force Jan 22, 2021 (90 days after 50th ratification)

§Incompatibility with nuclear sharing arrangements

§Annual meetings of states parties

03 Why It Matters

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The TPNW represents a significant political shift - the majority of UN member states now endorse a legal prohibition on nuclear weapons. Its long-term impact on disarmament norms remains debated, but it creates new political pressure on nuclear-armed states.