Forging a New Frontier: Strengthening the Humanitarian Impacts Agenda for Inclusive and Effective Non-Proliferation under the NPT
With the contribution of Ilenia Bruseghello. Authored by: Ali Alkis (Co-Chair), Hree Putri Samudra (Co-Chair), Elisa Shafiqah Shahrilnizam, Yerdaulet Rakhmatulla, Christelle Barakat, Mahlet Sebsibe Haile. Originally published in May 2024 by BASIC in Strengthening the Humanitarian Impacts of Nuclear Weapons Agenda within the NPT.
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), pivotal in global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts, faces challenges due to pronounced limitations in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within its decision-making processes. A narrow span of representation which predominantly excludes women, wider marginalised communities, and experts from the Global South, critically undermines the treaty’s capacity to address the spectrum of nuclear challenges. This policy brief proposes an ambitious DEI-centric strategy to revitalise the NPT’s framework, advocating for integrating diverse perspectives essential for formulating effective, resilient policies by incorporating three fundamental objectives, centred around on strengthening the humanitarian impacts agenda. This initiative aims to transform the NPT into a more inclusive, equitable, and productive instrument in the global nuclear governance landscape, by implementing targeted funding mechanisms, reevaluating procedural frameworks for greater transparency, and introducing mandatory diversity quotas, thereby also better addressing humanitarian impacts. To catalyse meaningful change, these recommendations emphasise the establishment of formalised platforms for youth participation, initiatives to bridge gender disparities, and the enhancement of scientific engagement underpinned by robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Such a comprehensive approach addresses the immediate need for wider representation. It aligns with contemporary human rights principles, ensuring a rich tapestry informs the NPT’s deliberations and outcomes of experiences and insights. This paper offers options to facilitate the NPT to move past its current limitations, embodying a commitment to inclusivity crucial for navigating the complexities of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. By adopting these strategic actions, the NPT community can forge a more secure, just, and nuclear weapon-free world, reflecting the diverse global community it serves.
Introduction
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) stands as a cornerstone in the global efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation, promote nuclear disarmament, and facilitate the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Yet, the efficacy of the NPT is compromised by gaps in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within its decision-making processes.[152] Current discussions under the NPT suffer from a pronounced lack of diversity, predominating a narrow range of perspectives. This limitation not only obstructs a comprehensive understanding of the humanitarian impacts of nuclear activities, but also stifles meaningful action to mitigate these impacts. In the wider disarmament context, for example, the representation of women in the First Committee, for instance, is a mere 32.4%, illustrating the gender imbalance prevalent in these discussions.[153] This underrepresentation extends beyond gender, affecting marginalised communities, individuals with disabilities, youth, rural residents, and the global hibakusha, among others. Such exclusions omit essential perspectives from NPT discourse and hinder the formulation of policies that adequately address the diverse implications of nuclear activities - particularly the humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons.
To meet these challenges, this policy brief sets forth three main objectives centred on enhancing DEI within the nuclear sector. It aims to diminish disparities and cultivate an inclusive and equitable environment that reflects the myriad of voices and experiences pertinent to nuclear issues. By integrating DEI principles into the NPT framework, it aims not just to bridge identified gaps but to strengthen the Humanitarian Impacts of Nuclear Weapons (HINW) agenda, and efforts towards nuclear disarmament within the NPT. The proposed recommendations are crafted to advance these objectives, ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard, and instrumental in shaping a more secure and just nuclear future.
Integrating Diverse Backgrounds into the NPT
Accessibility at NPT Conference
Participation in NPT conferences, specifically the Review Conferences (RevCons) and Preparatory Committees (PrepComs), has historically been limited in its diversity. This bottleneck has often resulted in an echo chamber effect, where a narrow set of perspectives dominates, potentially compromising the treaty’s capacity to address not only the nuanced challenges of nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy effectively but also the HINW agenda.[154]
During the 2023 NPT PrepCom, despite some representation from civil society, the predominant articipation remained from state actors, thereby underscoring a systemic issue: a lack of meaningful and diverse participation to ensure DEI.[155] For the NPT to function as expected, it must pivot towards a framework that genuinely values and integrates a broad spectrum of insights and expertise.[156] The NPT community must commit to a more inclusive approach to achieve meaningful dialogue among stakeholders, acknowledging the indispensable value of varied expertise in crafting effective and enduring solutions. NPT processes involve structural barriers that impede inclusivity and equitable participation. A notable challenge is the constrained time frame allocated for delegations to comprehensively address agenda items.[157] This system disproportionately affects smaller delegations, such as New Zealand’s, limiting their ability to engage across the spectrum of NPT committees in contrast to larger delegations from countries like the UK or Russian Federation. Such structural limitations not only stifle diverse voices but also restrict how the NPT can respond to the dynamic nature of nuclear threats.
Furthermore, despite not being specific to, or arising from the NPT system, the financial constraints experienced by some States Parties emerge as a critical bottleneck, particularly impacting the participation of non-nuclear weapon states and developing countries. The 10th RevCon highlighted this disparity, with a significant absence of these states, reflecting an imbalanced power structure in decision-making processes.[158] This financial barrier extends beyond attendance, curtailing the capacity to contribute effectively to the NPT’s goals in non-proliferation and disarmament, areas that demand as much focus as the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.[159]
Lack of Representation in NPT Processes
The NPT is pivotal in promoting international nuclear disarmament, preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, and facilitating peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Yet, notable gender and regional representation disparities compromise it. A lack of women, comprising only a third of participants in state delegations and CSOs, and underrepresented experts from the Global South limit variety in perspectives[160]. This imbalance reflects demographic challenges and severely restricts the NPT’s ability to develop comprehensive solutions to the complex challenges of nuclear governance. Addressing these disparities is essential to enhancing the treaty’s capacity for resilient and inclusive policy formulation to strengthen the humanitarian impacts agenda.[161] Yet, it is important to recognise that achieving substantive policy changes requires much more than just demographic representation.
The engagement and incorporation of both youth and the scientific community within the NPT is an area ripe for improvement.[162] Currently, in relation to youth engagement, emphasis on educational outreach rather than meaningful involvement in policymaking misses the potential that the youth community offers in sharing new insights and innovative approaches to nuclear challenges.[163] The inclusion of these voices is crucial for the treaty’s evolution and its ability to respond to future nuclear risks. Moreover, in regards to the scientific community, the integration of such expertise is necessary to ensure policies are both effective and reflective of advancements in nuclear technology and security.[164][165]
Furthermore, the efforts to enhance inclusivity must also focus on creating an accessible and welcoming environment for all participants, particularly Persons with Disabilities (PWD). Increased accessibility for affected communities and hibakusha with possible disabilities would enable them to attend, deliver statements, and host side events, providing invaluable expertise and insight, thereby broadening considerations in discussions and decision-making processes. This involves more than adopting inclusive language; it requires the establishment of facilities and communication methods that are PWD-friendly.[166] Such initiatives are not merely ethical imperatives but essential for enriching the NPT’s discussions with various experiences and insights. This approach reinforces the HINW agenda, ensuring that the broadest possible spectrum informs the treaty’s deliberations and outcomes of stakeholder perspectives.[167]
To strengthen the HINW in NPT processes, particularly RevCons and PrepComs, it is crucial to address and enhance inclusivity and accessibility, as mandated by Article X of the Treaty.[168] This commitment to DEI, is not just about adhering to ethical standards but is fundamentally linked to the effectiveness of policymaking within the NPT. By ensuring physical and communicative accessibility, there is acknowledgement of the lived experiences and unique perspectives which are often overlooked yet critical in the discourse on HINW. This holistic approach to inclusivity enriches dialogue, ensuring a broader range of issues and solutions are considered, thereby making the policymaking process more robust, comprehensive, and reflective of the diverse global community it serves.[169]
Addressing Historical Inequalities in Nuclear Policy and Resource Allocation
Historically, nuclear policymaking has often favoured state-centric viewpoints, sidelining profound individual and community impacts of nuclear issues, particularly for those enduring the aftermath of nuclear legacies. The devastating bombings in Japan during World War II and the nuclear tests in Bikini Atoll from 1946 to 1958 serve as stark reminders of the need for a shift towards prioritising the lived experiences of affected individuals.[170] [171] This redirection is not only a matter of justice but aligns with human rights principles that advocate for the equal rights of everyone impacted by nuclear actions.[172] The human rights impacts and concerns in Pacific communities underscore the urgency of reevaluating nuclear decision-making processes to ensure equitable resource distribution.[173]
The call for inclusivity in nuclear governance is supported by international legal frameworks such as the Aarhus Convention and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)[174][175] These champion the inclusion of diverse perspectives, including those from local communities, NGOs, and nuclear security experts, into nuclear decision-making. Such a holistic approach would bolster nuclear security measures and foster a more equitable consideration of the diverse impacts of nuclear activities.
Drawing inspiration from the concept of environmental reparations and guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, it becomes imperative to reassess funding allocations within the nuclear field.[176] A reassessment would aim to rectify historical environmental harms and ensure that decision-making and resource allocation processes are inclusive, equitable, and capable of addressing the complex challenges posed by nuclear activities by enabling those impacted by nuclear weapons to participate and contribute in the discussions. By adopting this approach, the nuclear policymaking community can move towards developing a nuclear governance framework that adequately addresses past and potential humanitarian impacts, and is more effective in achieving the long-term goals of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.[177]
Equity and Representation in the NPT - Amplifying Marginalised Voices
The 1945 atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki inflicted severe humanitarian and environmental damage, and propelled the Japanese hibakusha into a long journey for justice. This historical event underscores a broader pattern where, since 1945, over 2,056 nuclear tests have disproportionately impacted traditionally marginalised communities, particularly in the Global South.[178] The voices from these regions have amplified calls for nuclear justice, advocating for therapeutic, corrective, and distributive actions. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which entered into force in 2021, represents a significant step in addressing humanitarian impacts, yet there is much to be done. This necessitates enhanced inclusivity within nuclear decision-making spaces, including the NPT, to ensure the representation of those historically marginalised.[179]
Historically, NPT processes have been overshadowed by the influence of a select group of powerful states, sidelining wider perspectives, including those of communities directly impacted by nuclear activities. This is also spurred by these states’ postures and commitments to nuclear deterrence policies. For meaningful progress, the NPT must evolve to incorporate fair representation from these regions, and to tackle the imbalance of power between the nuclear weapon and non-nuclear weapon states, ensuring minoritised voices are heard and influential in shaping nuclear policies and responses.
The need for a more inclusive approach within the NPT is underscored by the success of frameworks like the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agendas, which prioritise women and youth perspectives within affected communities. These agendas, backed by UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 2250, illustrate the useful impact of integrating diverse viewpoints into policy discussions, and offer examples on how to do so. By adopting similar strategies, the NPT can foster a more equitable and effective framework for nuclear non-proliferation, drawing on the lived experiences of survivors and leveraging the innovative potential of younger generations.
To catalyse this progress within NPT processes and meetings, a commitment to expanding the treaty’s inclusivity and fairness, guided by explicit indicators to track progress, is imperative. This involves transitioning from merely normative encouragements to actionable mandates that facilitate compensation, support for health and environmental programs, and the integration of survivor narratives into disarmament strategies. Such a comprehensive approach aligns with the HINW agenda and strengthens the global nuclear governance structure, ensuring it is responsive, just, and reflective of the diverse global community it aims to protect.
Policy Recommendations
To invigorate the NPT’s approach to DEI, a nuanced, actionable strategy tailored to the unique context of nuclear diplomacy is essential. These solutions should be realistic, in harmony with the nature of existing policy landscapes, ensuring feasibility while pursuing transformative change.
Strategic Funding for Inclusive Participation:
• A collaborative international fund, managed by a consortium of NPT states, civil society, and international financial institutions, to support participation from historically underrepresented regions transparent in its governance and application process, will specifically target experts from the Global South, covering travel, accommodation, and participation expenses. This initiative democratises access to NPT processes by reducing financial barriers and embodies a shared commitment to enriching the treaty’s deliberations with a wider range of voices.
Bridging Gaps and Robust Monitoring:
• Addressing gender disparities and promoting interregional collaboration are central to this strategy. States should be encouraged to diversify their delegations. The creation of advisory committees will ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the NPT’s decision-making processes.
• Thoroughly reviewing language and conference facilities will address inclusivity and accessibility concerns, creating an environment where all participants feel welcomed and valued.
• A monitoring and evaluation system equipped with clear DEI metrics to track the progress of these initiatives, enabling ongoing refinement and ensuring that the NPT’s approach to DEI is both effective and reflective of its commitment to global nuclear governance.
Mandatory Diversity Quotas and Empowering Youth:
• The introduction of mandatory diversity quotas for NPT delegations, i.e, a specific delegation for the youth, and advisory roles aims to secure representation from diverse demographics, including women, youth, indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, and experts from the Global South.
• To develop a formal youth participation platform for the NPT, facilitated by relevant UN agencies and funded through the international collaborative fund. This platform will offer support, including internships, mentorship programs, and youth forums, to ensure that the voices of future leaders are integral to shaping NPT-related nuclear policy
Expert Exchange Programme:
An expert exchange programme to promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing among states, addressing expertise disparities, thereby encouraging diverse delegations and interregional collaboration facilitated by advisory committees. By fostering scientific collaboration, the programme enhances nuclear governance in line with the NPT’s commitment to global cooperation while depoliticising some aspects of nuclear governance through scientific cooperation. This might even create momentum, thanks to which more political aspects of nuclear governance might be easier to manage.
The NPT can progress toward a truly inclusive, equitable, and effective framework by implementing these recommendations, thus ensuring that nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament efforts are more responsive to the diverse global community and its humanitarian concerns. This approach ensures that the treaty is better equipped to navigate the complexities of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament in a way that is reflective of and responsive to the diverse global community it serves.
Conclusion
The NPT stands at a crossroads, with the potential to redefine its legacy through a concerted commitment to DEI. By establishing a collaborative funding mechanism, reforming procedural frameworks for greater transparency, introducing diversity metrics, and creating platforms for the meaningful participation of youth, the NPT community can move toward inclusivity. These strategic actions, coupled with initiatives to bridge gender disparities and enhance scientific engagement, lay the groundwork for a more equitable and effective treaty. Integrating diverse perspectives, especially from historically marginalised communities, into nuclear decision-making enriches the discourse and ensures that policies reflect the multifaceted nature of global nuclear challenges- in turn, better centering the humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons, and facilitating proactive policymaking in consideration of these impacts. These recommendations align with contemporary human rights principles and strengthen the NPT’s capacity to foster a secure, just, and nuclear-weapon-free world while reinforcing the HINW agenda. This approach, underpinned by robust monitoring and evaluation, works to elevate the NPT beyond its current limitations, ensuring it remains the cornerstone of global nuclear governance in the years to come.
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