Photos: Darren Ornitz (ICAN), BftB, PSR
Back from the Brink participated in the Second Meeting of State Parties (2MSP) to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)*, which took place from November 27 – December 1, 2023 at the U.N. Headquarters in New York City. The 2MSP saw participation from 94 countries, who concluded with resolve to challenge the false doctrine of deterrence, further study the humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons, and to continue centering the voice of hibakusha and communities harmed by nuclear weapons. Nuclear-affected communities also delivered a strong statement, as did the financial community, the faith community, and 23 parliamentarians which included one U.S. representative, MA House member Jim McGovern, who is the lead sponsor of H. Res. 77 — the congressional Back from the Brink resolution.
The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, and many organizations with whom we partner did an outstanding job coordinating 65 side events – panel discussions, art exhibits, concerts – that were attended by hundreds of campaigners from around the world. It was incredibly inspiring and nourishing to the soul to be among so many nuclear abolitionists, to connect with friends and colleagues, to make new acquaintances, and to see and hear many passionate youth voices who will be leading this work in the years to come. To learn more, check out a recording of our recent webinar “Building Momentum for Nuclear Weapons Abolition after 2MSP: Next Generation Perspectives.”
Now, we must find ways to further harness this enthusiasm and camaraderie and marshal it into an even more visible, active, diverse constituency for nuclear disarmament here where we live in the U.S., a country whose leadership would be a game changer in the global struggle to abolish nuclear weapons. Fortunately, Back from the Brink was founded to do just that, and we have numerous ways to get involved, from pursuing a resolution effort in your community, urging your House rep to cosponsor H. Res. 77, joining or forming a BftB hub in your community. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list for news and opportunities for action.
*What’s the TPNW?
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is a historic treaty adopted at the United Nations in 2017 with the support of 122 countries. The TPNW was born out of frustration with nuclear-armed states refusal to fulfill their obligation under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) to eliminate their arsenals and the lack of focus on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons use, production, testing, mining etc. It is modeled on existing treaties that outlaw other types of weapons considered inhumane, such as biological and chemical weapons, land mines, and cluster munitions. The TPNW is actively opposed by the U.S. and all countries that possess nuclear weapons. Back from the Brink was founded after the adoption of the TPNW in 2017 as a vehicle to build public demand and political will for nuclear abolition in the U.S. primarily through local, community-based organizing.
