The Non-Proliferation Treaty binds nuclear-weapon and non-nuclear-weapon States alike, and its review conference made it permanent

Background

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons was commended by the General Assembly in resolution 2373 (XXII), adopted at New York, 12 June 1968. The United Nations records that the Treaty was opened for signature on 1 July 1968 and entered into force on 5 March 1970. It aims to avert the danger of nuclear war through the prevention of the wider dissemination of nuclear weapons and other measures. The Treaty contains 11 articles that apply to both nuclear-weapon States parties and non-nuclear weapon States parties. Its obligations cover preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and the pursuit of nuclear disarmament and of general and complete disarmament. Twenty-five years after its entry into force, at the 1995 Review and Extension Conference, the States parties unanimously agreed that the Treaty should continue in force indefinitely.