NEW YORK, 29 September (Office for Disarmament Affairs) — The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs is pleased to announce the release of a Comprehensive study of the question of nuclear-weapon-free zones in all its aspects (document A/81/293), prepared by the Qualified Group of Experts as tasked by the General Assembly under resolution 79/241. The group comprised experts from across the world and was chaired by Maria Cecilia Barcelos Cavalcante Vieira. It adopted the study unanimously on 17 July.
The establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones is a regional approach to strengthen global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament norms and consolidate international efforts towards peace and security. Through resolution 79/241, the General Assembly requested the Qualified Group of Experts to assess the status of existing and potential nuclear-weapon-free zones, as well as examine options and recommendations towards strengthening existing zones and the possible establishment of new zones, including in the Middle East.
The study reflects the outcome of the group’s deliberation throughout 2025 and 2026. UN Member States submitted written contributions and expressed views during two in-person consultative meetings with the Chair of the group.
The group has been guided in its work by the principles and guidelines set out by the Disarmament Commission in its 1999 report and has remained mindful of the diversity of regional contexts, as well as of the mechanisms embedded in the treaties that govern nuclear-weapon-free zones. The group put forward these reflections, consistent with the mandate established by the General Assembly, not as governmental representatives and without prejudice to any positions held by States.
The group concluded that the study could serve as a comprehensive, although not exhaustive, reference document for further consideration of options, recommendations and appropriate action on issues related to nuclear-weapon-free zones.
As stated in his foreword to the study, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres “invite[s] States Members of the United Nations and relevant bodies of the international disarmament machinery to consider and implement the recommendations made by the group”.
The study is available in the six official languages of the United Nations through the following URL: https://docs.un.org/A/81/293.
More information about nuclear-weapon-free zones can be found on the United Nations Portal for Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones at https://disarmament.unoda.org/en/nwfz.