Every year, Disarmament Week is observed from 24 to 30 October, beginning on the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (October 24). The week aims to raise global awareness and understanding of disarmament issues, reinforcing the message that reducing arms is essential for achieving lasting peace and global security.
It was first proposed during the 1978 UN General Assembly’s Special Session on Disarmament, and since then, governments, civil society organizations, and NGOs have actively participated in promoting the cause of disarmament and arms control.
Disarmament Week 2025
Observed from: 24–30 October 2025
Purpose:
- To foster public awareness and understanding of disarmament as a means to promote global peace, prevent conflicts, and reduce human suffering.
Objective:
- To encourage nations to reduce, limit, or abolish weapons—particularly weapons of mass destruction—and to strengthen international peace and security.
Origin:
- Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1978 (Special Session on Disarmament, Resolution S-10/2).
Participants:
- Governments, NGOs, and international organizations take part in discussions, awareness programs, and educational initiatives related to disarmament.
Key Focus:
- While encompassing all arms control initiatives, the week primarily highlights the dangers of nuclear weapons and advocates their total elimination.
Background and Evolution
- 1978: The idea for Disarmament Week originated in the Final Document of the First Special Session of the UNGA on Disarmament (Resolution S-10/2).
- 1995: The UN General Assembly (Resolution 50/72 B, 12 December 1995) further invited governments and NGOs to participate in Disarmament Week to strengthen public understanding of disarmament issues.
- Purpose Expansion: Over the years, the observance has evolved to include emerging threats such as biological weapons, cyber warfare, and the militarization of space.
Understanding Disarmament
Definition:
- Disarmament refers to the reduction, limitation, or complete abolition of weapons, particularly those capable of mass destruction.
Goal:
- To promote peace, stability, and development by decreasing military expenditures and fostering mutual trust among nations.
General and Complete Disarmament (GCD):
- Defined by the UN as the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction, coupled with a balanced reduction of armed forces and conventional armaments, ensuring that global security remains undiminished.
Key UN Resolutions on Disarmament
- Resolution S-10/2 (1978): Established the concept of Disarmament Week.
- Resolution 50/72 B (1995): Encouraged governments and NGOs to actively observe the week.
- Resolution 55/33 (2000): Strengthened the framework for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
Important UN Disarmament Bodies and Initiatives
- UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA): Coordinates international disarmament efforts and supports implementation of treaties like the NPT and CTBT.
- Conference on Disarmament (CD): The world’s sole multilateral disarmament negotiation forum based in Geneva.
- UN Disarmament Commission (UNDC): A deliberative body that formulates recommendations on disarmament issues.
Key Global Treaties Related to Disarmament
- Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) – 1968
- Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) – 1996
- Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) – 1993
- Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) – 1972
- Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) – 2013
India and Disarmament
- India has consistently supported universal and non-discriminatory disarmament.
- India is a signatory to the Biological and Chemical Weapons Conventions but not a signatory to the NPT and CTBT, citing their discriminatory nature.
- India advocates for a step-by-step approach toward nuclear disarmament through international cooperation and trust-building measures.