Disarmament in Review
In today’s world, only a collective, multilateral approach can effectively
eliminate the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, or check the spread
of conventional weapons.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Remarks to the United Nations Disarmament Commission
9 April 2007
This topic was first included on the disarmament agenda in 2002. South Africa acting on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries (NAM), introduced a draft resolution entitled “Promotion of multilateralism in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation” at the First Committee of the General Assembly on 18 October 2002. Many member states had previously underlined, in various disarmament fora, the urgency and importance of re-affirming and strengthening multilateral co-operation in the fields of disarmament and non-proliferation.
The first resolution (57/63) was adopted by First Committee on the 25 October 2002 by a recorded vote of 100 in favour, 11 against and with 44 abstentions; and by the General Assembly on 22 November 2002 by a recorded vote of 105 in favour, 12 against and with 44 abstentions. The resolution reaffirmed that multilateralism was the core principle in negotiations in the area of non-proliferation and disarmament. States Parties to the relevant instruments on WMD were invited to consult and cooperate amongst themselves in resolving their concerns with regard to cases of non-compliance as well as on implementation; and to refrain from resorting – or threatening to resort – to unilateral action.
Since 2002, resolutions designed to strengthen and deepen multilateral efforts in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation have been introduced and adopted in each session of the General Assembly.
Recent General Assembly Resolutions
- 2017 — A/72/48
- 2016 — A/71/61
- 2015 — A/70/31
- 2014 — A/69/54
- 2013 — A/68/38
- 2012 — A/67/38
- 2011 — A/66/32
- 2010 — A/65/54
Recent Reports of the Secretary-General
