Background

• In 1952, the UN General Assembly, by its resolution 502 (VI) of January 1952, created the United Nations Disarmament Commission (UNDC) under the Security Council.
• However, this commission only met a few times, and remained largely inactive.
• So, the second iteration of the commission was formed on 30 June 1978 by the General Assembly.

Mandate of the commission

• Prepare proposals for a treaty for the regulation, limitation and balanced reduction of all armed forces and all armaments, including the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction
• It is a deliberative body, with the function of considering and making recommendations on various issues in the field of disarmament and of following up on the relevant decisions and recommendations of the special session

Organizational structure

• It is a subsidiary organ of the United Nation General Assembly.
• It reports annually to the General Assembly.
• Membership: All member states of the United Nations.
• Supported by Office for Disarmament Affairs and technically by the Department of General Assembly Affairs.

Working & Meetings

• Meets annually for three weeks in the spring.
• Agenda normally limited to two substantive items per session, including one on nuclear disarmament.

Conclusion

In an era of evolving security threats and nuclear risks, the UN Disarmament Commission remains a key forum for building global consensus on disarmament norms, reinforcing collective security through dialogue rather than force.