Dutch House pushing government to sign nuclear Ban Treaty

On 20 November 2018, the House of Representatives adopted three motions that call on the Dutch government to give substance to its commitment to actively work towards a world without nuclear weapons. In the coalition agreement of 2017, the government promises to “actively work towards a nuclear-weapons-free world within the framework of the alliance obligations”. The House is still dissatisfied with the steps that have been taken so far.

The House calls on the government to re-examine the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) adopted by a large majority of countries in September 2017. The treaty has now been signed by 69 countries, if 50 countries ratify the treaty it will enter into force. Up to now the Netherlands has not signed, because the treaty would not be compatible with the Dutch principles and with NATO obligations. However, there is broad support among the Dutch population for a Dutch signature under this treaty. Parliament calls on Minister Blok to work to increase the support for this UN Treaty among NATO countries and investigate how the UN Treaty relates to existing national legislation.

The House calls on the government to engage in a dialogue with the nuclear powers, in agreement with Article VI of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Lastly, it calls on the government to take a proactive role in preserving the INF treaty.

Click here for an overview of all adopted motions (in Dutch) on nuclear disarmament by the Dutch House of Representatives.

https://nonukes.nl/dutch-parliament-calls-on-the-government-for-concrete-steps-nuclear-disarmament/