The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is celebrated
annually on September 26th. It is a day to raise awareness about the dangers of
nuclear weapons as well as a reminder to call for their total elimination. This day,
established by the United Nations (UN), emphasizes the global community’s
commitment to making the world a safer and more peaceful place. On this day,
people around the world hold events and rallies to call for the abolition of nuclear weapons.

On 12th December 2013, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a
resolution to establish the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear
Weapons. The resolution was adopted by agreement, with 178 countries voting in
favor and none voting against. The resolution was proposed by Kazakhstan, having
a unique perspective on this issue, which was the first country to close a nuclear test
site after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Nuclear weapons are the most destructive weapons ever created. They have the
power to wipe out entire cities and kill millions of people in a single instant. Even a
limited nuclear war would have catastrophic consequences for the planet and its
inhabitants.

The threat of nuclear war is a real and ever-present one. Despite major progress
being taken to reduce the number of nuclear weapons, the world still faces a
the daunting challenge with currently over 12,000 nuclear weapons, with the United States
and Russia possesses the largest stock. And many of them are thousands of times
more powerful than the atomic bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and
Nagasaki during World War II in 1945.

The use of a single nuclear weapon would have devastating unimaginable
consequences for the environment, not only in terms of immediate fatalities but also
through long-term environmental damage, causing a nuclear winter and food
scarcity. It would also damage the ozone layer, which would expose humans to
harmful levels of ultraviolet radiation and cause the spread of radiation-related
diseases. The effects of a nuclear war would be felt far beyond the territories of the
fighting nations, harming innocent citizens across the world.

As an individual or an organization, there are many things that can be done to
support and advocate for the total elimination of nuclear weapons on the
International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons :

• Learn about the dangers of nuclear weapons and the need for their
  elimination.
• Talk to your friends and family about the issue. Share what you have learned
  and encourage them to get involved.
• Contact your elected officials and let them know that you support nuclear
  disarmament.
• Get involved with a local organization that is working to eliminate nuclear
  weapons.
• Attend events and rallies on the day. This is a great way to show your support
  for nuclear disarmament and to connect with other people who are passionate
  about the issue.
• Start a blog or social media campaign to raise awareness about nuclear
  disarmament. Share information, resources, and stories about people who are
  working to make a difference.
• Organize a community event or speaker series on nuclear disarmament.
  

The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is an opportunity
to remind the world of the dangers of nuclear weapons. It is a day to demand that
our leaders reaffirm their commitment and take action to create a peaceful world
without nuclear weapons.

The total elimination of nuclear weapons is a challenging goal, but it is one that is
achievable. No matter what you choose to do, every little bit helps. By working
together, we can create a world without nuclear weapons, a safer world for all.

Written by: Rtr. Achinika Wijerathna

Graphic design by: Rtr. Sathmi Dinanja