RESOLUTION
To request the RI Board to endorse
the Treaty on
the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)
Proposer(s): Rotary E-club of World Peace, D5330
WHEREAS, Rotary is committed to promoting world peace
WHEREAS, there can be no peace as long as there is the threat of nuclear war
WHEREAS, the TPNW prohibits the development, testing, production, stockpiling, stationing,
transfer, use and threat of use of nuclear weapons, with the ultimate goal being their total
elimination
WHEREAS 86 countries are signatories to the TPNW and are looking for leadership to get it
endorsed world-wide – and Rotary is a leader when it comes to Peace.
WHEREAS 70-80% of people surveyed in countries around the world (including Rotarians)
support the elimination of nuclear weapons and are looking for leadership to make this happen
– and Rotary is a leader when it comes to Peace
IT IS REQUESTED that the Board of Directors of Rotary International endorse the Treaty on the
Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, by working to encourage countries to sign and support the
treaty, as well as encouraging Rotary clubs and Rotarians to work to encourage their
governments to sign and support the treaty.
Supporting the prohibition of nuclear weapons is being in support of protecting the
environment.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT
Rotary already knows how to work for world-wide endorsement of the TPNW by simply
following the same successful strategies used to eradicate polio in Africa.
Namely:
Rotary and its partners negotiated truces and military protection
Rotary advocated with government leaders and educated the public to dispel persistent
myths.
Rotary coordinated campaigns with surrounding nations
Rotary members used their respected roles in society - and often their personal
charisma - to advocate for their governments to become involved
The only effective way to prevent a nuclear war is to get rid of nuclear weapons.
Deterrence is fear-based and does not work against accidents, miscalculations, or terrorists. It
prevents even negative peace (the absence of the threat of violence) and makes positive peace
impossible.
Despite the enactment of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons over 50
years ago, there are still about 13,500 nuclear weapons in the world.
There is an increase in spending on these weapons and an increase in the number of countries with access to them.
We have comprehensive bans for chemical weapons, biological weapons, landmines and cluster
bombs. Nuclear weapons are exponentially more dangerous, could result in the death of
billions of people and could destroy our planet. We must ensure the TPNW is endorsed world-
wide.
The reality is that Rotary could do 1,000s and 1,000s of Service Projects and just one nuclear
catastrophe could undo them all. Working for world-wide endorsement of the TPNW is also
working to support and preserve Rotary’s legacy of Positive Peace initiatives.
Rotary would like to increase membership. Standing for an important Peace initiative that
represents the wishes of 70%-80% of the world’s population will be a compelling attraction for
new members.