Papua New Guinea has become the 178th State to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

“A ban on nuclear testing is one of the most useful tools to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons,” Izumi Nakamitsu, UN undersecretary general and high representative for Disarmament Affairs, said following Papua New Guinea’s ratification of the treaty Wednesday, 13 March.

According to the CTBT Organisation Preparatory Commission, Papua New Guinea’s ratification marked “a significant milestone toward universalising the Treaty in the Pacific region.”

Nakamitsu said the treaty is a critical element in the global effort to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote nuclear disarmament.

The official ratification was marked on 13 March with a ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. 

“As a state party to both the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Treaty of Rarotonga, Papua New Guinea had already committed to fulfilling the core obligation of the CTBT by refraining from conducting any nuclear explosions,” the CTBTO said.

Robert Floyd, CTBTO’s executive secretary, praised Papua New Guinea for “advancing global efforts for non-proliferation and disarmament.”

The ratification was “a crucial move especially relevant in the current climate,” Floyd said. “I also extend my gratitude to Prime Minister James Marape and Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko for their significant contributions throughout this process,” he said.

This story was originally published at Pacific Island Times on 14 March 2024, reposted via PACNEWS.