South Africa’s (SA) delegation, Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo says current fraught geopolitical context places number of challenges that exacerbate the uncertainty surrounding the future of nuclear disarmament and the non-proliferation regime.

He delivered the message to the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) currently underway in New York, United States.

Mabhongo told the plenary that SA supported the inalienable right of nations to pursue the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

SA says it seeks to reinforce and promote the implementation of three independent pillars of the NPT, a landmark international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, seek nuclear disarmament and promote the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

“Through the NPT we have shown determination to avoid the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons to humanity, whilst also using it for the betterment of humanity through the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. “

Mabhongo explained that the risks created conditions for vertical and horizontal proliferation.

“Nuclear weapon states bear a special responsibility to reduce the risks associated with nuclear weapons. However, it must be emphasised that non-nuclear weapon states that maintain a role for nuclear weapons and their military doctrines should also be accountable through risk reduction or transparency initiatives.”

–SABC–