On 6 August 1985, in Rarotonga (Cook Islands), South Pacific states sign the Treaty of Rarotonga — the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone (SPNFZ) Treaty.

The treaty bans manufacture, acquisition, stationing and testing of nuclear weapons on parties’ territory and creates a verification regime for the South Pacific zone.

Adopted amid protests against French nuclear tests in Polynesia and Oceania’s anti-nuclear movement, it complements other nuclear-weapon-free zones (Tlatelolco, Bangkok, etc.).

Entry into force: 11 December 1986. Protocols for nuclear-weapon states were signed gradually.

For Oceania’s security, 6 August 1985 marks the signing of the SPNFZ at Rarotonga.

The official text is on the United Nations Treaty Collection / Pacific Islands Forum.

The Treaty of Rarotonga of 6 August 1985 remains the milestone of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone.

Image: Rarotonga / Pacific; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: Treaty of Rarotonga. Treaty text: South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (UNTC).