International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is a holiday whose name says it all about its intended purpose. This day encourages people worldwide to contribute to the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Since nuclear weapons testing began in July 1945, over 2,000 tests have taken place around the world.

These tests were not only detrimental to the environment, but the constant fear of nuclear warfare is something that humanity would be better off without. Therefore, the United Nations encourages everyone to consider the consequences of nuclear warfare and to do their part to encourage their politicians to steer away from destructive nuclear weapons.

The History of International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

This day was first declared in December 2013, thanks to UN Resolution 68/32. This proclamation followed the meeting of the General Assembly on nuclear disarmament held in New York City on September 26, 2013.

This was the last in a series of efforts by the United Nations General Assembly to raise public awareness about nuclear weapons and the importance of nuclear disarmament.

Quick Facts About Nuclear Weapons

Below are some facts about nuclear weapons we would like to pass along to everyone reading about this holiday. Hopefully, they prove to be informative.

• Two Mark 39 Hydrogen bombs were accidentally released from a B-52 over Goldsboro, North Carolina, in 1961. They were never found.
• Each nuclear missile launch crew controls 10 Minuteman III ICBMs.
• The U.S. has lost a total of 11 nuclear bombs that have never been recovered.
• The U.S. had 950 nuclear weapons stationed in South Korea during the Cold War.

Observing International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

On this day, people can work towards nuclear disarmament by holding events that raise public attention about nuclear weapons, by airing their grievances with local politicians, or simply by using the hashtag #InternationalDayForEliminatingNuclearWeapons on their social media accounts.