New Zealand and Ireland have proposed the creation of a scientific panel to examine the effects of nuclear war.
Photo: 123RF

New Zealand and Ireland have proposed the creation of a scientific panel to examine the effects of nuclear war.

In a statement to the United Nations, Ireland’s permanent representative, Fergal Mythen, said the last UN-mandated study was carried out in 1989.

Since then, scientific progress has advanced considerably, particularly in climate modeling and data.

Mythen said the panel’s 21 experts would focus on the physical effects and societal consequences of nuclear war.

He believed the study would also contribute to nuclear disarmament and arms control.

Comments have been posted on the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

In a statementsaid the UN the resolution was adopted by the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) by 144 votes to 3, with France, Russia and the United Kingdom voting against and 30 abstentions.

The committee also adopted a draft resolution calling on states, “particularly nuclear-weapon states, to commit to further identifying, exploring and implementing effective measures necessary to mitigate the risks associated with the use of nuclear weapons that result from miscalculations, misperception, miscommunication or accidents and, among other measures, maintaining the practice of not targeting each other with nuclear weapons and maintaining them at levels of alert as low as possible.

This vote was adopted by 145 votes to 6, with China, North Korea, Iran, Nicaragua, Russia and Syria voting against and 29 abstentions.

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