source: Website of the Assemblée de la Polynésie Francaise (29 September 2023)

By Jaya Ramachandran

GENEVA. 29 September 2023 (IDN) — In a historic move, the assembly of French Polynesia unanimously adopted in Papeetē a resolution on 28 September, supporting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), highlighting the region's history as the site of numerous French nuclear tests between 1966 and 1996, reports the 2017 Nobel Peace laureate ICAN.

The resolution, led by representative Hinamoeura Morgant-Cross from Tavini Huiraatira, underscores the TPNW as a humanitarian disarmament treaty. It emphasizes the deep concerns of the French Polynesian population regarding this issue. While French Polynesia cannot currently access the assistance and rehabilitation outlined in Articles 6 and 7 of the TPNW due to France's non-ratification, it sends a resounding message in favor of the Treaty to Paris.

Hinamoeura Morgant-Cross commented: "I would like to say that recognition of the real impact of nuclear weapons is my life's struggle and it is very important to me that my first resolution as a representative of the Assembly of French Polynesia concerns support for TPNW and it was precisely at the first Meeting of States Parties to the TPNW last year that I decided to enter politics."

This resolution adopts a proactive approach by urging President Macron to facilitate France's participation as an observer state in the upcoming TPNW States Parties meetings 27 November to 1 December 2023, at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Additionally, it calls for efforts towards France's complete adherence to this international norm.

France's accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in August 1992 was a notable step in this direction. However, to bolster nuclear weapons protection and create a legally binding instrument for their absolute prohibition, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) on 7 July 2017, with the support of 122 states. Despite this Treaty entering into force on 22 January 2021, France still needs to ratify it, a matter of particular concern for French Polynesia, given the references to Articles 6 and 7.

These articles mandate assistance to nuclear weapon victims and the rehabilitation of contaminated areas. As a territory hosting the French nuclear testing center and enduring ongoing consequences of nuclear fallout, French Polynesia is directly impacted by the TPNW. Therefore, the resolution calls on President Macron to take tangible steps: firstly, to advocate for France's observer status at TPNW States Parties meetings, and secondly, to actively work towards France's full compliance with this new international standard.

French Polynesia's endorsement of the TPNW underscores the paramount importance of nuclear disarmament for global security and environmental preservation while urging France's commitment to this vital cause.

ICAN said, the decision by the Polynesian assembly followed "the fantastic work" of its partner organisations, namely ICAN France. Their work has also led to an overall growth of support for the TPNW in France. 76 cities and communes have signed the ICAN Cities Appeal, including Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon and Montpellier. Further, a coalition of 59 Parliamentarians and Senators call upon the French government to constructively engage with the Treaty by observing the meetings of states parties. 

Jean-Marie Collin, Director of ICAN France stated: "The adoption of this resolution is highly symbolic and sends a strong message from a region that knows first hand about nuclear horror. After the appeal from 76 French cities, the Bourgogne Franche-Comté region and the Greater Lyon metropolitan area, this new political act must not be ignored by the President and his government. If it wants to call itself a responsible State, France must participate as an Observer State in the next meeting of states parties to the TPNW."

Picture source: Website of the Assemblée de la Polynésie Francaise (29 September 2023)