Dear Friend --

I’m writing from UN Headquarters in New York with exciting news: two countries just took action under the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): the Bahamas signed the landmark treaty, while Sri Lanka acceded to it.

This brings the tally of signatories to 93 – close to half of all states in the world - and states parties to 69.

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Having taken up the role of ICAN’s Executive Director only weeks ago, this is an exciting moment to take part in. As world leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly this week, I am here to meet with the partners, allies and governments who support the treaty, and it is heartening to see our advocacy translate into concrete action.

Any use of nuclear weapons would result in an unparalleled humanitarian and environmental catastrophe. But each new signature, ratification or accession of the TPNW makes it a stronger and more effective instrument for advancing our goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world.

Though the challenges we face in eliminating nuclear weapons are enormous, on days like today we’re reminded that progress is possible. So please join me in congratulating and thanking these two states for doing their bit to prevent these horrific weapons from ever being used again. 

This is leadership to end nuclear weapons! Congratulations, Sri Lanka on acceding to the UN Treaty on the Prohibition for Nuclear Weapons, and thank you Bahamas, for signing it! 👏 @MFA_SriLanka @MOFABahamas #nuclearban  Share via Twitter

Kind regards,

Melissa Parke
Executive Director
ICAN

It’s time to end nuclear weapons.

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