National Statement of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on the Occasion of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 2Nd October, 2020

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National Statement of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on the Occasion of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 2nd October, 2020 Mr. President, The Bahamas welcomes the opportunity to stand by the international community, including non-government organisations and Civil Society, in its unwavering support for the total elimination of nuclear weapons. As a country party to the first-ever nuclear-weapon-free zone, through the Treaty of Tlatelolco, along with the commitment of the Latin American and Caribbean States to “the Strategic Agenda of the Organization for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons” (OPANAL) and their declaration – through the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) – of the Americas and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, The Bahamas has a clear and consistent record of robust engagement towards nuclear disarmament. Reflecting on the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations during such unprecedented times, it is important now, more than ever, that we attach renewed vigour to our commitments to peace and security. Put simply: there is no guarantee of peace and security without full nuclear disarmament. As such, The Bahamas lends it voice to others in its call for States to adhere to, and advance, international commitments, including humanitarian commitments, on nuclear disarmament. In this regard, The Bahamas welcomes recent ratifications to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and is proud to note the widespread membership within CARICOM and Small Island Developing States, including the recent ratifications of St. Kitts and Nevis and Niue in August 2020. While The Bahamas has yet to sign on the Treaty, please be assured that it is under active review to ensure that once in a position to ratify, mechanisms will be in place for full and immediate compliance with Treaty obligations. The Bahamas also takes this opportunity to reaffirm its support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which it believes, is complemented by the TPNW. The postponement of the 10th NPT Review Conference, originally scheduled for earlier this spring, provides space for additional informal engagement, which can be further capitalised on during the Conference. Mr. President, This International Day is also a critical moment to acknowledge the many peaceful applications of nuclear weapons. We share the hope that, by continuing to shift our resources to nuclear energy for peaceful uses, those States with nuclear weapons, or nuclear weapons capabilities, will be further motivated to recognising that there is much more to be gained by using nuclear energy for sustainable development, than weaponising nuclear energy as a deterrent in national security policies. Let us never forget the complete destruction and devastation guaranteed to humanity inherent in the threat of nuclear weapons. I thank you. .

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