Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons: A Historic Step for Global Health, Humanitarian Protection, and Planetary Security

As the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) officially enters into force, international health and humanitarian organizations mark this moment as a historic victory for nuclear disarmament, humanitarian protection, and planetary health. This milestone represents a decisive move toward preventing the catastrophic health and environmental consequences caused by nuclear weapons.

Organizations including International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), International Council of Nurses (ICN), International Federation of Medical Student Associations (IFMSA), and World Medical Association (WMA),  proudly welcome the world’s first comprehensive, legally binding international prohibition of nuclear weapons.

A Strong Treaty Built on Evidence, Expertise, and Humanitarian Imperatives

Our organizations have long contributed scientific evidence, health expertise, and field-based humanitarian experience to expose the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons. The reality is apparent:

• Any nuclear weapons detonation would cause unspeakable human suffering, radiation exposure, and long-term environmental destruction.

• No nation or health system has the capacity to provide adequate medical or humanitarian response.

• Prevention is the only possible cure.

With the TPNW now part of international law, all ratifying states are legally bound by its provisions, establishing an essential new global standard against the world’s most destructive weapons.

Proven Success: How Prohibition Treaties Reduce Weapons and Save Lives

History shows that prohibition works. Treaties banning biological weapons, chemical weapons, antipersonnel landmines, and cluster munitions have all reduced use, stigmatized possession, and influenced even states that have not yet joined.

The TPNW is already shaping global behavior. Financial institutions worldwide, including banks, pension funds, and insurance companies, are increasingly divesting from nuclear weapons manufacturers, signaling a decisive shift toward ethical and sustainable investment.

Nuclear Weapons: The Greatest Immediate Threat to Human Health

The World Health Organization identified nuclear weapons as “the greatest immediate threat to the health and welfare of humankind” as early as 1983. Experts today warn that the risk of nuclear war is as high (or even higher) than during the Cold War.

Recent trends are deeply alarming:

• Critical arms-control treaties have been dismantled.

• Nuclear-armed states are investing heavily in new, more sophisticated weapons.

• Cyber vulnerabilities threaten nuclear command-and-control systems.

• Rising geopolitical tensions and climate-driven instability increase the risk of escalation.

Climate scientists warn that even a limited nuclear war, using less than 2% of the global arsenal, would inject massive amounts of smoke into the atmosphere, disrupt global climate patterns, and cause a global nuclear famine threatening billions of lives.

The TPNW: A Necessary Pathway to Eliminate Nuclear Weapons

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons offers a pragmatic and inclusive framework for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons, fulfilling the legal obligations of all states, whether nuclear-armed or not.

Supporting Survivors and Restoring Contaminated Environments

For the first time, an international agreement requires states to:

• Assist victims of nuclear weapons use and testing

• Remediate contaminated environments

• Advance long-overdue humanitarian and environmental recovery

Even states not yet prepared to join the Treaty are encouraged to contribute to these critical efforts.

Why Global Cooperation Is Urgent Now

The COVID-19 pandemic and the accelerating climate crisis have underscored the necessity of rapid, evidence-driven international collaboration. Nuclear weapons are entirely human-made; preventing their use is within humanity’s control.

Ending nuclear weapons before they end humanity is a public health, humanitarian, and planetary imperative.

A Call to Action

The TPNW represents an extraordinary opportunity to build a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. We urge all nations to:

• Sign the Treaty

• Ratify the Treaty

• Fully implement its provisions

Eliminating nuclear weapons is essential to safeguarding global health, protecting future generations, and preserving life on Earth.

About Our Organizations

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

A neutral, impartial, and independent humanitarian organization dedicated to protecting the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and promoting international humanitarian law.

International Council of Nurses (ICN)

A federation of more than 130 national nurses’ associations representing over 20 million nurses worldwide.

International Federation of Medical Student Associations (IFMSA)

One of the world’s largest student-run organizations, representing 1.3 million medical students across 134 countries, is committed to global health leadership.

International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW)

A federation of medical organizations in 63 countries dedicated to the eradication of nuclear weapons; recipient of the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize.

World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA)

The global voice for public health, representing 130 national and regional associations and 5 million public health professionals.

World Medical Association (WMA)

An international organization representing physicians through 115 national associations and thousands of individual members worldwide.