NWFZ

A NWFZ stands for Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone. These are geographical regions where the states party to a treaty agree not to develop, manufacture, possess, control, or station nuclear weapons. The primary goal of NWFZs is to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and to promote nuclear disarmament and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The establishment of these zones is a significant step towards a world free of nuclear weapons.

There are several established NWFZs around the world, including the Treaty of Tlatelolco for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Treaty of Rarotonga for the South Pacific, the Treaty of Bangkok for Southeast Asia, the Treaty of Pelindaba for Africa, and the Treaty of Central Asia. Each treaty has specific protocols that may also involve nuclear-weapon states undertaking obligations not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against parties to the treaty.

The concept of NWFZs is supported by the United Nations and is seen as a valuable tool in global security efforts. While NWFZs do not disarm existing nuclear-weapon states, they effectively prevent the spread of nuclear weapons into new territories. This contributes to regional stability and reduces the risk of nuclear conflict. Discussions and proposals for new NWFZs continue in various parts of the world.