TOKYO // The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is the main legal framework that facilitates nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses. Countries including India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea have withdrawn from the treaty. All have significant nuclear weapons capabilities.
The NPT Review Conference in 2010 agreed on an outcome document that highlighted the positive aspects and the general success of the treaty. The consensus outcome of the NPT Review Conference 2010 set a practical agenda with an action plan, as well as the objective of a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction.
The Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI) was established in September 2010 with the purpose of taking forward the action plan contained in the consensus outcome of the 2010 NPT Review Conference.
The initiative considers it imperative to decrease nuclear arsenals, strengthen nuclear security, improve nuclear safety, reduce nuclear risks and achieve tangible progress on the path towards a world free of nuclear weapons.
The NPDI is made up of Australia, Canada, Chile, Germany, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey, the UAE, the Philippines and Nigeria.
* Caline Malek