CTBT 96
Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty
The Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a multilateral treaty and a legally binding global ban on nuclear explosive testing. The CTBT bans all nuclear explosions on Earth whether for military or for peaceful purposes. The CTBT was opened for signature in 1996 and it will only enter into force after 44 designated „nuclear-capable states“ have deposited their instruments of ratification. To date, 183 states have signed and 164 have ratified the Treaty. But out of the 44 specified countries only 36 have ratified the treaty. For instance India, Pakistan and North Korea still have not signed. The CTBT would create a legally binding prohibition on nuclear explosive tests for all of its Parties. Entering into force, the CTBT would hinder states that do not have nuclear weapons expertise and experience from advancing their nuclear weapons capabilities as well as states that are interested in pursuing a nuclear weapons program or advancing or expanding the capabilities of an existing nuclear weapons program. The CTBT would also impede states with more established nuclear weapon capabilities from confirming the performance of advanced nuclear weapon designs that they have not tested successfully in the past and constrain regional arms races in the years and decades to come.