Experts gather to discuss the threats of nuclear weapons at QUT clubs event
The prohibition of nuclear weaponry has been a contested subject since the first United Nations General Assembly Meeting in 1948. Of course, this was following the devastation that was the Hiroshima nuclear bombing. Our world has been shaped by and the failure to implement a worldwide ban on these devastating explosives is still an issue at the forefront of international relations.
Recently, QUT Amnesty International, QUT Justice, QUT Red Cross, and QUT United Nations Societies ran public education event for all attendees to learn more on the topic of nuclear threats, but to also make a stand together for prohibition on these destructive weapons. This issues is again topical as the United Nations (UN) awaits the 50 signatures and government ratifications of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).
The event was host to 4 guest speakers who each shared an urgency in educating others on the threat of nuclear weapons. Professor Marianne Hanson of Political Sciences and International Studies, passionately spoke about the possible effects of nuclear weapon attacks on Humanity as a whole, including food security and human reproduction. Professor Hanson labelled current 21st century nuclear weapons as “The Dragon” that would have the capacity to directly affect 50,000km within seconds of being detonated. She highlighted that sue to technology advances, any attack would be many times more powerful than what was witnessed at Hiroshima.
This was confirmed by Fauve Kurnadi, International Humanitarian Law Coordinator for the Red Cross, as she emphasised the severity of nuclear presence and the threat on peace and security. Not only have previous attacks and testing affected food security and human health, but also, impacted sacred Aboriginal land through nuclear bomb ‘testing’. Both Professor Hanson and Ms Kurnadi continued to encourage everyone to exercise their independent voice.
A jet lagged but passionate, Professor Anthony Cassimatis of the UQ Law School discussed the legality of the use of nuclear weapons in conflict under International Law, and the role that the UN’s Treaty will have. Current International Law outlines aggressive use of force with weapons (any weapons) as prohibited. The full scope of the UN’s Treaty will only come into force once ratified, this is suspected to be within the next year. However, the possibility of achieving a nuclear ban through the TPNW is something that Annette Brownlie, Just For Peace Commissioner and United Nations Association Australia QLD Division Vice President, has been actively campaigning for since the 1970’s. After highlighting the vast history of nuclear threat and conflict, Ms Brownlie continues to encourage attendees to join the active presence against nuclear weapon presence.
Without a doubt, ‘The Threats Nuclear Weapons Pose to the World’ event was informative and motivating. If you were unable to attend, the key information to take from this post is to be an active citizen in campaigning for nuclear weapons prohibition. There are several groups and organisations through The Red Cross, ICAN, Amnesty, the United Nations, and Just For Peace, which everyone is welcome to join. These groups aim to strengthen the public's voice on nuclear issues, while also educating more people on the immediate threat these weapons pose. Everyone has the power to make an impact including you! Simply educating yourself, talking to others and even posting on social media. You can spread the word and play a role in the banning of nuclear weapons.
For more information checkout the links below, speak with one of the student societies, or join one of the mentioned groups and organisations to actively campaign against nuclear weapon presence.
The impact of nuclear weapons on Australia and YOU - http://www.icanw.org/black-mist/
A great overview of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the history of nuclear weapons and how YOU can get involved - http://www.nuclearban.org/#learnmore
An overview of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons directly from the United Nations - https://www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/nuclear/tpnw/
Keep in the loop for future Education, Information and Networking events on International Law issues with QUT Justice Society , Amnesty International QUT , QUT Red Cross Society & QUT United Nations Student Association
