Pacific states reaffirm nuclear-free commitment at NPT conference, marking Rarotonga Treaty’s 40th anniversary
At the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Deputy Permanent Representative of Solomon Islands to the United Nations, Ms Fiona Indu delivered a statement on behalf of the 13 States Parties to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Rarotonga), reaffirming the Pacific region’s longstanding commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons.
The statement coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Treaty of Rarotonga’s entry into force, underscoring its origins in the legacy of nuclear testing in the region and its continued relevance in advancing global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.
Ms Indu noted that as the region marks four decades as a nuclear-free zone, it is also a sobering reminder that the Treaty was born out of the devastation caused by decades of nuclear testing across the Blue Pacific, as well as growing concerns over increasing nuclear weapons stockpiles.
She emphasized that although nuclear testing has ceased, its impacts continue to affect communities across generations.
The States Parties acknowledged this enduring legacy and stressed the need for sustained recognition, assistance, and remediation for affected communities. They further highlighted the importance of addressing nuclear legacy issues in the Pacific, including hazardous waste and unexploded ordnance, through coordinated global action.
The Parties reiterated their firm opposition to nuclear testing and called on all remaining countries to sign and ratify both the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the NPT.
Expressing deep concern over rising nuclear risks, expanding arsenals, and the weakening of arms control frameworks, the States Parties urged nuclear-weapon states to fulfill their disarmament obligations under Article VI of the NPT. They noted that the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, 80 years ago, demonstrated the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons use, and warned that the threat of nuclear weapons remains real today.
“Now, more than ever, in a deteriorating global nuclear security environment, it is incumbent upon all States, particularly nuclear-weapon States, to fulfil their disarmament obligations, strengthen compliance, and work towards a world free of nuclear weapons,” Ms Indu said.
Reaffirming the vision under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the States Parties called for renewed international commitment to achieving a nuclear-free world and urged all nations to take practical steps to uphold the credibility and integrity of the NPT framework.
Solomon Islands delegation to the 11th NPT Review Conference, comprising officials from the Permanent Mission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations and the United Nations and Americas Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade will continue to participate in discussions under the three Main Committees established to review the implementation of the Treaty.
Solomon Islands became a State Party to the NPT in 1981 as a non-nuclear-weapon state, reflecting its commitment to preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons, promoting disarmament, and supporting the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The 11th Review Conference of the NPT is currently underway at United Nations Headquarters and will run from 27 April to 22 May 2026.
PRESS RELEASE
