Abolition Resolution
Whereas there are over 30,000 nuclear weapons (of which 4,400 are on hair trigger alert) posing an immediate threat to the world due to the risk of their accidental or intentional use;
Whereas billions of dollars are being spent annually on nuclear weapons which could be used to address human needs around the globe;
Whereas some 61 international Generals and Admirals from 17 countries advised in December 1996 that long-term international nuclear policy must be based on the declared principle of continuous, complete and irrevocable elimination of nuclear weapons;
Whereas the International Court of Justice determined in July 1996 that the use and threat of use of nuclear weapons is, for all practical purposes, contrary to international law; and that all states are obligated to conclude an agreement for the elimination of nuclear weapons;
Whereas the NATO states in their policy statements continue to refer to nuclear weapons as being essential to preserve peace;
Whereas there are no ongoing multilateral negotiations ongoing for an agreement to eliminate nuclear weapons;
Whereas a model Nuclear Weapons Convention has been filed before the UN General Assembly as a discussion document to encourage progress toward a Convention;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT ____________________________
A) call upon the Government of Canada to:
ï conform with international law and make clear in the United Nations and in NATO Canadas strong moral, political and financial commitment to urgent negotiations for the total elimination of nuclear weapons;
ï urge that all nuclear weapons on hair trigger alert be de-alerted immediately and move to de-activate systematically all other nuclear weapons to reduce the risk of unintentional nuclear war;
ï support public education in Canada and abroad concerning the urgency of a ban on nuclear weapons, as it did during the negotiations for a ban on landmines.
B) advise the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the requests contained within this Petition.
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that ____________________encourage its members to study and speak out to family, friends and neighbours about the urgency of the abolition of nuclear weapons.