Nuclear-weapon-free zones and other nuclear-free areas

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the establishment of nuclear weapon free zones at the regional level or in certain areas. Treaties prohibiting nuclear weapons at regional level are the Treaty of Tlatelolco (Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean, 1967), the Treaty of Rarotonga (South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, 1985), the Treaty of Bangkok (Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone, 1995), the Treaty of Pelindaba (African Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty, 1969) and the Treaty of Semipalatinsk (Treaty on a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone in Central Asia, 2006). The chapter also addresses the status of Mongolia and the establishment of a WMDFZ in the Middle East. Apart from discussing the main features of treaties establishing NWFZs, the chapter also explains the importance of the Antarctic Treaty (1959), the Outer Space Treaty (Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, 1967), the Moon Treaty (Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, 1979) and the Seabed Treaty (Treaty on the Prohibition of the Emplacement of Nuclear Weapons and other Weapons of Mass destruction on the Sea-Bed and the Ocean Floor and in the Subsoil Thereof, 1971). In essence, the chapter considers NWFZs a useful tool for preserving international peace and security