Rome wants Italy to join the TPNW
Rome: Rome joins capital cities worldwide urging governments to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. With nearly 100 Italian cities supporting the ICAN Cities Appeal, Rome’s decision underscores a shift towards people-centric politics in addressing the nuclear threat. This historic move challenges the Italian government to prioritise peace and security by signing the Nuclear Ban Treaty
In a resounding and unanimous decision, the city council of Rome has taken a historic stride towards advocating for global peace and security. By joining the ICAN Cities Appeal, Rome adds its voice to a growing coalition of nearly 100 Italian cities, urging the government to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). This significant move underscores a pivotal shift in global politics, prioritising the humanitarian legacy of nuclear weapons over abstract military strategies.
Rome’s alignment with other prominent capitals such as Canberra, Paris, Berlin, Oslo, Amsterdam, Luxembourg City, Helsinki, Bern, and Washington, D.C., demonstrates a collective determination to address the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons. This decision reflects the heartfelt sentiments expressed by the city councillors of Rome:
“We firmly believe that our residents have the right to live in a world free from this threat. Any use of nuclear weapons, whether deliberate or accidental, would have catastrophic, far-reaching, and long-lasting consequences for people and the environment. Therefore, we support the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and call on our governments to sign and ratify it.”
At its core, Rome’s decision recognizes that nuclear weapons transcend mere political tools of war; they represent symbols of unfathomable human suffering and devastation. The TPNW stands as a beacon of hope in a world grappling with the persistent spectre of nuclear annihilation. By unequivocally condemning the use and possession of nuclear weapons, the treaty reaffirms the moral, political, and legal imperative to safeguard humanity from the horrors of nuclear warfare.
What distinguishes Rome’s decision is its foundation in people-centric politics. The city council’s endorsement of the ICAN Cities Appeal reflects a genuine commitment to the welfare and safety of citizens, highlighting the profound impact of grassroots activism and community engagement in shaping public policy.
As the eternal city, steeped in millennia of history and culture, Rome serves as a potent symbol of human resilience and endurance. By embracing the cause of nuclear disarmament, Rome reaffirms its timeless commitment to the values of peace, justice, and solidarity.
Furthermore, Rome’s decision resonates far beyond its city limits. It sends a powerful message not only to the Italian government but also to national governments worldwide, urging them to heed the will of their constituents and prioritise the pursuit of peace over the pursuit of power. The collective voice of cities like Rome illuminates a path towards a safer, more secure future for all.
True security cannot be achieved through the threat of mutually assured destruction but through the pursuit of common humanity and shared prosperity. Rome’s decision to join the ICAN Cities Appeal reminds us that politics rooted in international law, promoted by the people, and based on direct responsibility towards humanity can yield transformative results. It is time for the Italian government to follow suit and join the TPNW.
