Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)

Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)

News: Recently, Russia has revoked its ratification to the CTBT, which means the number of countries that need to ratify the treaty for it to come into force now stands at nine.

Background:
• Russia's recent decision to revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) marks a significant step, potentially leading to the first Russian nuclear test since 1990.
• The CTBT established a global network of observation posts to detect indicators of nuclear explosions, such as sound, shock waves, or radioactive fallout.
• The move is viewed as a concerning trend in recent years, where arms control agreements have been either scrapped or suspended, potentially undermining global efforts towards non-proliferation and stability.

What is CTBT?
• The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a multilateral treaty that aims to ban all nuclear weapons test explosions and any other nuclear explosions, for both civilian and military purposes, in all environments. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 September 1996.
• The treaty comprises a preamble, 17 articles, two annexes, and a Protocol with two annexes. The global verification regime to monitor compliance with Treaty provisions includes a global network of monitoring stations (the International Monitoring System), an International Data Centre in Vienna, a consultation and clarification process, On-site Inspections, and confidence-building measures.
• However, the treaty has not entered into force, as eight specific nations have not ratified it. The treaty will come into force 180 days after all 44 states listed in Annex 2 to the Treaty have ratified it. (Ratification refers to the process by which a state indicates its consent to be bound to a treaty).

What are the countries that have not ratified CTBT?
• China, Egypt, Iran, Israel, United States, India, Pakistan, North Korea