Nuclear weapons are a threat to the survival of mankind. More and more States are beginning to discuss nuclear weapons also in terms of international law. The United Nations Charter prohibits the threat or use of force. The use of force in self-defence that is recognized in the Charter must be proportionate to the force used by the attacker. Furthermore, it should be noted that existing international law relating to armed conflict contains some general principles which outlaw certain methods of warfare. Relevant principles in this context are, inter alia, the principles of distinction between military and civilian targets, the ban on methods and means that cause unnecessary suffering, and the principle of proportionality. The latter prohibits attacks which may be expected to cause civilian losses that would be excessive in relation to the direct military advantage anticipated. In my Government's view the use of nuclear weapons in contravention of the principles I just referred to would be in conflict with international law. Principles of international law place a heavy responsibility on any Government considering the use of nuclear weapons. The Swedish Government notes with great satisfaction that the Third Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was able to adopt a Final Declaration by consensus. It reaffirms the commitment of the States Parties to the Treaty to the purposes of the preamble, the provisions of the Treaty, and their determination to enhance the implementation of the Treaty and to strengthen its authority. The Review Conference, with the notable exception of the United States and the United Kingdom, called on the nuclear-weapon States Parties to the Treaty to resume trilateral negotiations in 1985 and on all the nuclear-weapon States to participate in the urgent negotiation and conclusion of a comprehensive test-ban treaty as a BG/4 A/C.l/40/PV.4 7 (Mrs. Theorin, Sweden) 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the threat of nuclear weapons to mankind's survival and the principles of international law that prohibit their use. It also mentions the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the commitment of States to enhance its implementation. Given the focus on international law, nuclear weapons, and treaties, it is likely that the text is related to international relations and diplomacy.

**Category**
International relations, Humanitarian aid and relief