The annual observance of Disarmament Week, was first called for in the Final Document of the General Assembly’s 1978 special session on disarmament (resolution S-10/2).
This document called for abandoning the use of force in international relations and seeking security in disarmament. States were invited to highlight the danger of the arms race, propagate the need for its cessation and increase public understanding of the urgent tasks of disarmament.
In 1995, the General Assembly invited governments, as well as NGOs, to continue taking an active part in Disarmament Week in order to promote a better understanding among the public of disarmament issues.
We along with many other people believe that the world would be a more peaceful place if there were fewer weapons. While there may have always been weapons as tools of violence and war, in the past most of the victims of war were the soldiers who nations sent to fight each other.
Today we know that most victims of war are innocent civilians, and modern weapons have the potential to kill massive numbers of people at any one time.
During Disarmament Week, we join with all people of goodwill who are working for disarmament and advocating for an end to violence in the world.
Let us pray for peace and especially for our brothers and sisters currently living in war zones and areas of conflict – being attacked daily by weapons of destruction.