Balanced News: Kazakhstan’s Transition: From a Nuclear Test Site to Leader in Disarmament

Kazakhstan closed its Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site on September 29, 1991, marking the beginning of its transformation from a nuclear-armed state to a non-nuclear-weapon state. The nuclear tests conducted at the site had severe health and environmental consequences. The country is now committed to global disarmament and serves as a leading advocate for peace and nuclear disarmament. Kazakhstan provides assistance to victims of nuclear tests but there are still many who remain ineligible for assistance. The country is urging member states to support its efforts and attend the upcoming Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.