International Day Against Nuclear Tests [29th August]

International Day Against Nuclear Tests is observed worldwide on 29th August to raise awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapon testing and to stress the urgency of ceasing atomic weapon testing worldwide. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established International Day Against Nuclear Tests with the aim of achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world.

The UNGA unanimously adopted the resolution 64/35 and officially established the International Day Against Nuclear Tests at the 64th UNGA session on 2nd December 2009. Know more about the history and significance of this day here.

International Day Against Nuclear Tests 2023

On 2nd December 2009, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that officiated the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. The day on which this event is celebrated, 29th August, commemorates the closing of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site in Kazakhstan in 1991.

After the establishment of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, all parties of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons vowed to make this world nuclear-free. Here is a brief overview of the day and its aim:

International Day Against Nuclear Tests 2023 Theme

Unlike many other annual events, no official theme is set for the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. The general theme of the day revolves around educating people about the dangers of nuclear weapon testing. Anti-Nuclear Day also aims to start a global conversation about eliminating nuclear weapons altogether. On International Day Against Nuclear Tests, world leaders come together to pledge against the use of nuclear weapons and encourage others to do the same.

6th August Tragic Day

On 6th August 1945, the US President, Harry S. Truman, ordered Enola Gay to drop a nuclear weapon on the city of Hiroshima, Japan. It was the first nuclear weapon to ever be used, and it killed more than an estimated 140,000 people. Therefore, 6th August is known as a tragic day in history.

Following this event, the US dropped another bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, on 9th August 1945, following which Japan announced its surrender from the war. The atomic bombs left a harrowing impact on the people and economy of Japan.

History of International Day Against Nuclear Tests

Nuclear weapons testing first began on 16th July 1945. Today, more than 2,000 testings have been done. At the 64th session on 2nd December 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 29th August the International Day Against Nuclear Tests by adopting resolution 64/35.

The Republic of Kazakhstan is majorly responsible for initiating the resolution along with several other sponsors and cosponsors to mark the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test site that occurred on 29th August 1991. The inaugural ceremony of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests took place in 2010.

Timeline of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests

• International Day Against Nuclear Tests was established by the United States General Assembly on 2nd December 2009.
• The General Assembly proclaimed 26th September as the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons to promote the total ban of nuclear weapons through international efforts. The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons was first observed in September 2014.
• On 10th September 1996, the UNGA adopted the primary mechanism for eradicating nuclear weapons testing—the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
• On 22nd January 2021, the United States of America and the Russian Federation entered into the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
• In 1995, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was adopted by NGOs. The CTBT was later extended and reaffirmed in 2000 and 2010.

Significance of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests

On the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, several activities are organized worldwide, such as conferences, exhibitions, symposia, lectures, competitions, media broadcasts, publications, and other initiatives. Since its establishment, several conferences and other developments have taken place to attain the goals and objectives of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests.

These include -

• To permanently cease the testing of nuclear weapons to stop the devastating and hazardous effects on the health and lives of people.
• To work together with seismologists, physicists, other scientists, physicians, lawyers, women’s organizations, research institutes, etc., to raise awareness of the adverse health effects of atmospheric testing, including the presence of radioisotopes in children’s teeth.
• To prohibit nuclear testing underwater, in the atmosphere, and in outer space.
• To assist research and academic institutions and NGOs in bringing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) into force.

Over the decades, the UN, together with the support of civilians, has been working on bringing a comprehensive ban on nuclear testing into force, gradually achieving the more significant motive of attaining a complete elimination of nuclear weapons.

NGOs, research institutions, women's organizations, academicians, scientists, and other members of the public are persistently endorsing the Secretary-General’s Five Point Proposal for Nuclear Disarmament and the CTBT to create a nuclear-weapon-free world.

FAQs on International Day Against Nuclear Tests

Q1. When is the International Day Against Nuclear Tests celebrated?

International Day Against Nuclear Tests is observed on 29th August to commemorate the closing of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site on the same date in 1991. The day also aims to spread awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapon testing.

Q2. What is the International Day Against Nuclear Tests 2022 theme?

The theme for International Day Against Nuclear Tests was “every effort should be made to end nuclear tests in order to avert devastating and harmful effects on the lives and health of people.” The theme was generally focused on encouraging global leaders to cease nuclear testing.

Q3. When was the International Day Against Nuclear Tests adopted?

On 2nd December 2009, at the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the International Day Against Nuclear Tests was unanimously adopted through resolution 64/35. It was announced to be celebrated for the first time on 29 August the following year.

Q4. Why is International Day Against Nuclear Tests celebrated?

The International Day Against Nuclear Tests was launched to raise public awareness about the hazardous health effects of atomic weapons testing and the urgency to stop nuclear testing through international efforts.

Q5. How is International Day Against Nuclear Tests observed?

On the occasion of the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, various conferences, symposia, etc., are organized. Along with scientists, NGOs, and research institutions, the UN works towards bringing the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty into force.