Policy Paper
Priority Actions for the 2021 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference – A View from Latin America
Four practical commitments to strengthen the NPT, presented from a Latin American perspective.
Summary
Irma Arguello proposes four priorities for the planned 2021 NPT Review Conference: preventing nuclear weapons use, advancing disarmament verification, strengthening material protection and supporting peaceful nuclear applications.
The paper gives States parties practical options for restoring the treaty’s credibility through joint commitments, including when agreement on a consensus outcome proves difficult.
Published by NTI – 2021.
Key Messages
- Preventing nuclear weapons use requires a shared commitment. Nuclear-weapon and non-nuclear-weapon States should jointly reaffirm that nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.
- Disarmament verification needs inclusive, practical work. States should commit to further cooperation and report progress, enabling non-nuclear-weapon States to contribute substantively.
- Protecting fissile materials remains essential. Wider ratification and effective implementation of the amended CPPNM would strengthen physical protection and support the NPT's objectives.
- Peaceful uses need concrete support. Assistance to the IAEA, including fellowships and contributions to its Peaceful Uses Initiative, can translate treaty commitments into benefits for States.
- Joint commitments can deliver progress beyond a final declaration. The paper favours practical action over consensus pursued at the expense of meaningful commitments.