INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST NUCLEAR TESTS
Statement delivered by H.E. Mr James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
3 September 2025
Thank you, President.
Australia is pleased to align itself with the statement delivered by Germany on behalf of the Friends of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
Along with our Pacific neighbours, Australia has experienced firsthand the impact of nuclear weapons testing.
This terrible legacy saw our region come together to create the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone, also known as the Treaty of Rarotonga, now in its fortieth year.
We are determined to relegate nuclear testing to history by pursuing full ratification and implementation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
And we do this because we know that risks are intensifying.
We are deeply concerned that the DPRK continues to advance its nuclear program and urge it to refrain from undertaking any further nuclear testing.
And we deplore the Russian Federation’s decision to revoke its ratification of the CTBT and urge Russia to reverse this decision.
President,
The CTBT is our collective commitment to a permanent end to the dangers and destructive legacy of explosive nuclear testing.
Importantly, the CTBT is already amongst the most widely accepted and effective normative instruments to contain and reduce nuclear threats.
But we cannot take this for granted. Securing full ratification and implementation of the Treaty remains critical.
The value of the CTBT’s verification regime cannot be understated.
It delivers tangible, practical benefits to all by providing a worldwide monitoring system that reinforces the global norm against nuclear testing.
The system can, and has, detected nuclear explosive tests anywhere, at any time. It supports regional stability by providing a reliable means to ensure compliance with the Treaty’s obligations.
The civic and scientific value of this system is also critical in monitoring environmental changes and providing timely information for the early warning of natural disasters.
Australia supports this important work by hosting the third-largest number of stations globally.
President,
Australia continues to champion the CTBT and will co-lead the annual UNGA First Committee CTBT Resolution this year.
We are honoured to work once again with New Zealand and Mexico to continue building momentum towards the Treaty’s universal adoption.
We encourage all Member States to support this year’s resolution.
As co-Chair Australia convened the 11th meeting of the Friends of the CTBT last year, which brought together fifty states to reiterate their shared commitment to the Treaty.
86 states and one observer associated with the joint ministerial statement of the CTBT Friends, underlining the unquestionable value of the Treaty and commending the continued efforts to bring it closer to universality.
We look forward to supporting the adoption of the Final Declaration during the Article XIV Ministerial Conference on Facilitating Entry into Force of the CTBT under the Co-Presidency of the Philippines and Sweden. We thank them for their ongoing commitment and valuable work.
The Entry into Force of the CTBT, as a universal and verifiable ban on any nuclear explosions, should be achieved without delay.
Australia continues to urge all States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the CTBT without further delay or precondition, particularly the nine Annex 2 States required for its entry into force.
Finally, Australia congratulates Dr. Robert Floyd on his reappointment as Executive Secretary of the CTBTO’s Preparatory Commission, which is a tribute to his determined and persistent efforts on behalf of the Treaty.
His efforts have been instrumental in upholding the global norm against nuclear testing.
Thank you, President.