On the 19th of September, London CND visited embassies across London, two days ahead of the UN International Day of Peace. Two delegations emphasised our commitment to nuclear disarmament by opening dialogues with nuclear-armed states and encouraging states which had signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) to ratify it – outlawing nuclear weapons by incorporating the Treaty into their own law.

Meeting TPNW states

Daniel Britton, who organised visits to the London embassies of TPNW states, reports:

Phil Sedler, John Morris, Christine Shawcroft, and I visited the London embassies of Brazil, Ghana, Colombia, and Indonesia - all states that had signed but not yet ratified the Treaty. We started our day in Trafalgar Square, ready to hold meetings and deliver letters urging embassies to give full force to the TPNW.

At noon, the group was welcomed by Brazilian Ambassador Antonio Patriota. In a wide-ranging discussion, we emphasised the urgency of ratification, in a global environment threatened by the use of deadly nuclear weapons. The Brazilian representatives responded, reaffirming Brazil’s commitment to the TPNW and providing an update on the advancing progress of the Treaty’s ratification process. Additionally, the delegation was pleased when Ambassador Patriota highlighted Brazil’s historical role in pushing for global disarmament and its firm intention to complete ratification in the near future.

Left to right, John Morris, Christine Shawcroft, and Phil Sedler handing over CND's letter to Brazilian Ambassador *Antonio Patriota.*

Following the Brazilian Embassy visit, the TPNW delegation held our second meeting with Mawutor N.K. Alifo, Head of Chancery at the Embassy of Ghana. In the minister's first delegation since recently arriving in London, he also signalled that the TPNW was progressing. The minister highlighted Ghana’s historical role in setting up the Non-Aligned Movement, its involvement in promoting disarmament measures, and its opposition to French nuclear testing in the Sahara desert.

Letter hand over with Head of Chancery, *Mawutor N.K. Alifo*.

After the Ghanaian Embassy visit, the delegation continued to Colombia’s and Indonesia's embassies. Upon visiting the Colombian embassy, the delegation was welcomed despite having no formal meeting. In another constructive discussion, an embassy official cited Colombia as an early advocate against nuclear weapons and underscored their commitment not only to the TPNW’s ratification but also its commitment to ensuring regional compliance continued with the Treaty of Tlatelolco. Ending the day, at 3 pm, the group arrived at the Indonesian Embassy to deliver its final letter.

The day's events provided a platform for London CND and the Embassy representatives, reinforcing the urgency of creating a safer and nuclear-free world. Despite the positive responses London CND received, much work remains. Since coming into force in 2021, the TPNW has gathered over 90 signatures, with many ratifications outstanding.

Officials were open to working with CND in future and helping raise awareness around the issue. We are pleased to report, that since our Embassy visit, Indonesia, on the 24th of September, has joined states that have moved to ratify the TPNW, bringing the total number of states now ratifying the treaty to 73.