Citizens Inspections: Authorization
updated 05/19/10
CWI/2003/CM.2
August 9, 2003
link to: original document

Authorization for Citizens Inspections pursuant to the 1968 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

Pursuant to International and Humanitarian Law, and particularly to the 1968 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and the 1996 Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons, We, the Undersigned, in discharging our responsibilities as Citizens of Countries which have signed and acceded to the NPT, do hereby authorise weapons inspections to be carried out on our behalf by voluntary teams of Citizens Inspectors.

In conformity with the Citizens Inspection Mandate (CWI/2003/CM.1), adopted on July 4, 2003, we authorise the Citizens Inspectors, to inspect, non-violently, declared and undeclared facilities suspected of violating obligations and agreements of international and humanitarian law, specifically the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, including consensus agreements adopted by States Parties on May 11, 1995 and on May 24-25, 2000, as contained in documents NPT/CONF.1995/32 (Part I), and NPT/CONF.2000/28 (Part I), in conformity also with the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons, as contained in United Nations General Assembly document A/51/218 (1996).

Of particular relevance for these Inspections, Document NPT/CONF.2000/28 (Part I) requires States Parties to comply with "An unequivocal undertaking by the nuclear weapon states to accomplish the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals leading to nuclear disarmament"; "further reductions of non-strategic nuclear weapons"; a "diminishing role for nuclear weapons in security policies to minimise the risk that these weapons ever be used and to facilitate the process of their total elimination"; and commitments to the principles of transparency, irreversibility, verification and regular reporting.

Under the terms of their mandate, the Citizens Inspectors are authorised to inspect for evidence of the presence of nuclear bombs or nuclear weapons-related programmes or delivery vehicles, including evidence of continuing research, development, manufacture, production, testing, siting, deployment, training and exercise, use or threatened use of nuclear weapons. Information is to be gathered on the number and type of any nuclear weapons or nuclear weapon facilities; their provenance, ownership, controlling authority, condition and security measures; and the schedule for removing, dismantling, decommissioning, elimination or closure. Also centres of Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence are subject to inspections.

We expect and require that the civilian and military bodies responsible for the sites designated for Citizens Inspection will provide full cooperation with the Inspectors, enabling them to investigate premises and speak with personnel, as necessary in fulfilment of these Inspections, without let, hindrance, arrest or penalty.
In the interests of Transparency, Open and Accountable Government and the Responsibility of Citizens for ensuring Full Compliance with International Law, the Citizens Inspectors will make public their reports.