2003:02PU DANGER OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS READINESS
Whereas: as of 2001 there are several thousand nuclear warheads poised and ready for “Launch on Warning” signal. The country that receives the warning (even if false) must launch a strike before the attacking bombs arrive and explode. There is no time to investigate, reconsider or negotiate; and
Whereas: it has been estimated that 200 to 300 nuclear warheads would be sufficient to bring the world as we know it to a standstill, and result in the death of several million people; and
Whereas: the National Missile Defence (NMD), also known as “Star Wars II” planned by the United States is very expensive, and a non-productive plan, using personnel and finances that could be better used for the betterment of society; and
Whereas: the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans all nuclear weapons test explosions and any other explosions of the nuclear kind, and established an international monitoring system that allows for short-notice on-site inspections. This treaty was negotiated with full participation of major nuclear power countries and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996. It requires that all 44 countries with nuclear power plants must sign the treaty and ratify it before it becomes legally binding. Canada has signed that treaty, but the United States, China, India, Pakistan, and North Korea have not signed yet; and
Whereas: in November 2001 the General Assembly of the United Nations voted on Resolutions relating to Launch on Warning and the National Missile Defence Treaty and Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. A majority of countries want to achieve a nuclear-free world, but some others are in strong opposition: therefore be it
RESOLVED: that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as its policy:
a. support for the 1996 ruling of the International Court of Justice stating that all countries have an obligation under international law to conclude negotiations to eliminate nuclear weapons;
b. support the policy of strengthening the international treaty that will prohibit the militarization of space;
c. support the policy of encouraging and persuading countries such as Pakistan, India, North Korea, and the United States that are holding back, to sign and actively support the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty;
d. that the National Council of Women of Canada use their ability to make representations to the International Council of Women to encourage them to make a presentation to the United Nations, to speak on behalf of the women of the world in promotion of a world free of nuclear weapons.