THE PHILIPPINES has urged more states to ratify the nuclear weapon ban treaty as it underscores the “urgent need” to universalize the accord.
Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Antonio Lagdameo renewed the call during the Third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in New York on March 3 (US time).
“Nuclear weapons pose an unacceptable risk to humanity and our environment —a reality that has been repeatedly validated by scientific research and historical evidence,” he said, delivering the Philippine statement.
The scientific evidence that nuclear weapons present significant humanitarian consequences and risks, Lagdameo said, should compel the world to “question and reject security doctrines that rely on the threat of mass destruction”.
The Philippines, he said, will remain committed to the TPNW and will continue to advocate for other states to sign the agreement.
“The Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to work collaboratively with all States toward the realization of a nuclear-weapon-free world,” he added.
“In these challenging times, nurturing trust and building bridges among nations is not merely beneficial —it is indispensable for our shared security and prosperity.”
Meanwhile, Lagdameo welcomed Indonesia, Sierra Leone, and the Solomon Islands as the most recent Treaty members.
“Their commitment reinforces the growing global consensus against nuclear weapons and brings us closer to universalization,” he said.
The TPNW covers a comprehensive set of prohibitions in various activities, including the development, testing, production, acquisition, and possession, among others, of nuclear weapon.
The treaty entered into force in January 2021 after the 50th instrument of ratification or accession of the agreement was deposited in October 2020.
There are 94 signatories and 73 parties to the treaty, including the Philippines. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)
