“With the Hibakushas, Let Us Achieve a Nuclear Weapon-Free, Peaceful and Just World –
For the Future of the Humankind and Our Planet”
By H.E. Dato’ Syed Mohamad Hasrin Aidid
Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations For Nagasaki Day Rally
9 August 2021
Opening
- Let me start by thanking the organizing committee of the 2021 World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs for extending the invitation to participate in this year’s conference.
- It is my honour to be part of the Nagasaki Day Rally once again, as I recall the 2020 World Conference that was convened one year ago.
- We are still meeting through this virtual format because of the pandemic. Nevertheless, I am sure it does not affect the quality of our exchanges and the impact being generated all around the world.
- I am always humbled when listening to and reading the testimonies by the Hibakushas as their powerful messages trigger our emotions.
- Even after more than 7 decades since the catastrophic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, one thing is clear.
- No human being and no single soul should have to endure, ever again, the cruel and horrendous experience of an atomic bombing.
Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
- It is with this conviction that we continue to strive towards our ultimate goal of the total elimination of nuclear weapons.
- For Malaysia, we firmly believe in the complete and total elimination of these abhorrent weapons. Their continued existence represents a serious threat to humanity. Hence, total elimination is the only solution against their possible use or threat of use.
- Attaining a nuclear-weapon-free-world has been a longstanding desire of the international community. It was first brought to the United Nations through its General Assembly resolution in 1946.
- While we have seen reductions in nuclear arsenals over time, approximately 13,500 nuclear weapons remain in existence till today. And these weapons continue to play an important role in military and security doctrines of some countries.
- The existential threat facing humanity, posed by the continued reliance on and modernization of nuclear weapons, has become more critical than ever.
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)
- As we speak, the States Parties of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (N-P-T) are preparing for the upcoming 10th NPT Review Conference.
- Since its inception, the NPT has been the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime.
- It remains integral to international peace and security, and facilitates international cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
- All States Parties have the responsibility to implement their obligations under the NPT in a full, objective and balanced manner across the three
(3) pillars of the Treaty.
- Despite consistent calls for balance across the three (3) pillars, progress under the pillar of disarmament has been slow, and in recent times, seems to be reversing. This is a major cause for concern.
- Nuclear-Weapon States must fulfill their obligations under Article 6 of the NPT to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to nuclear disarmament under strict control in a verifiable, irreversible and transparent manner.
Joint Communique Initiated by Malaysia
- Given the important juncture in the context of the NPT, Malaysia initiated a Joint Communique to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the NPT.
- The Joint Communique, as issued in May 2020, was a collective pronouncement by 17 countries, from all regions of the world and with long-standing positions on nuclear disarmament.
- The document underscores the significance of the semi-centennial of the NPT, the various challenges faced and the path to be pursued moving forward.
- The Joint Communique was officially issued through the Permanent Missions of Malaysia to the United Nations in New York, Geneva and Vienna. It was also made available to other important entities and stakeholders such as civil societies.
- We are grateful for the positive and constructive feedback received on the Joint Communique, in particular those from civil society.
The Upcoming NPT Review Conference
- In recent times, we continue to observe an alarming trend of erosion of the multilateral nuclear disarmament and arms-control architecture, with existing agreements being abrogated and others in danger of termination.
- The current global security environment and challenges warrant urgent action and progress.
- The upcoming NPT Review Conference, which has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, presents a timely opportunity for States Parties to undertake a comprehensive review and assessment of the current status of the Treaty.
- At a time of global uncertainty, the NPT Review Conference would accord us with the much-needed opportunity for thorough deliberation and negotiations on various issues across the three (3) pillars.
- As we look ahead towards the upcoming NPT Review Conference, it is our hope that States Parties will earnestly reaffirm the various obligations and commitments agreed upon during previous NPT Review Conferences.
- Guided by the leadership of Ambassador Gustavo Zlauvinen, the President-designate of the NPT Review Conference, Malaysia will continue to undertake its role as Chair-designate of Main Committee 1 of the Review Conference with the spirit of constructive engagement.
- We will strive to preserve open, inclusive and transparent dialogues, with civility and diplomacy.
- We look forward to the cooperation and contribution of all entities and stakeholders, including civil societies, in making further progress.
Closing
- As we honour the Hibakushas of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, let us all heed their call and continue to promote the cause of the total elimination of nuclear weapons.
- We must enhance global public awareness and education, especially among youth, on the threat posed to humanity by nuclear weapons.
- Through collective and consistent efforts by all parties, we can attain a peaceful, just and nuclear weapon-free world, for the future of humankind and our planet.