International Day against Nuclear Tests: Date, Significance and History

The International Day against Nuclear Tests is observed every year on August 29 all over the world. The special day aims to raise awareness about the effects of nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosions.

It was established on December 2, 2009, at the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly and since then it is observed every year globally.

International Day against Nuclear Tests Date

Below mentioned are the upcoming dates for International Day against Nuclear Tests for the next 4 years.

International Day against Nuclear Tests 2023 Overview

Side Effects of Nuclear Testing

The UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres said in 2019, “the legacy of nuclear testing is nothing but destruction” and it is so very true. Check out how harmful are the side effects of nuclear effects that remain even after years of testing.

List of Most Powerful Nuclear Explosions

• More than two thousand nuclear test explosions have been conducted around the world from 1945 to 2017.
• Results of such testing are cancer and other chronic illness, patches of radioactive land and victims left for years and years of suffering.
• Radioactive particles are dispersed far and wide and poison the soil, air, and water.
• Even after decades, those land remains inhabitable, and justice is needed for those who were victims of such testing.
• There are over 60 sites in the world that bears the scar of nuclear testing and even after cleaning for decades, are still inhabitable.
• When these testing get out of control, the destruction they bring is even beyond one’s imagination.
• The destructive force of 528 atmospheric tests is equal to 29,000 Hiroshima bombs.

Significance of International Day against Nuclear Tests

Nuclear testing has been carried out since 1945 but earlier little to no concern was given to the side effects and the devastating results of such testing. More than 2000 tests have taken place since then all of which have terrifying and tragic effects on environment as well as on human life.

Other than this there also are dangers of nuclear fallout from atmospheric tests. In the wake of such destructions, a need was felt to observe a day against such test so that more people can be made aware of the seriousness of the situation. The International Day against Nuclear Tests is therefore observed every year on August 29 with the purpose to raise awareness against nuclear testing.

Following the establishment of the day all state parties committed themselves to “achieve the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons” in May 2010.

Check: Other special days in August

International Day against Nuclear Tests History

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2009 declaring 29 August the International Day against Nuclear Tests. The resolution was initiated by the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with a large number of sponsors and cosponsors and adopted on 2 December in the 64th session of UNGA.

August 29 was chosen for observation to commemorating the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test site on 29 August 1991. The first International Day against Nuclear Tests was celebrated on August 29 2010 and is observed every year since then.

How is International Day against Nuclear Tests Observed?

The United Nations host various seminars and conferences every year to observe the International Day against Nuclear Tests. Conferences, events, exhibits, etc. are hosted by governments and non-government organizations in different countries as well.

You can actively participate in such events and raise your voice against nuclear testing and also encourage your friends and family to do the same. However, there is no theme for celebrating this day.

Frequently Asked Questions