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International Citizens' Conference discusses criminality of using nuclear weapons

The International Citizens' Conference for "No More Hiroshimas and Nagasakis" was held on July 29-31 in Tokyo, with the aim of unraveling the real damage caused by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and revealing the criminality of the use of nuclear weapons.

About 350 citizens, including hibakusha (A-bomb survivors), participated in the meeting.

In the full session on the "criminality of nuclear weapons," Christopher Weeramantory, former vice-president of the International Court of Justice, pointed out that it is citizens, the environment, and cultural assets that fall victim to nuclear weapons, and that using these weapons is a crime on humanity and against international law. He stressed that achieving "No More Hiroshimas and Nagasakis" is a global task.

Takahashi Tetsuya, professor at University of Tokyo graduate school, said that nuclear bombing is unjustifiable. He explained that establishing the criminality of the atom bombings is not for vengeance but is part of the effort to share a deeper view of history based on reconciliation and peace.

Japanese and South Korean hibakusha, including Kwak Kifun, president of the Korean Atomic Bomb Casualty Association, discussed at a workshop demands and rights of hibakusha. In another workshop, hibakusha and second-generation hibakusha discussed how to preserve the memories of Hiroshima and Nagasaki for future generations.

In the final session on July 31, a citizens' meeting commemorating the 60th anniversary of the A-bombings was held with the participation of 700 citizens. They discussed the meaning of Hiroshima and Nagasaki for the future.

Nagasaki City Mayor Ito Iccho in his speech called for the Three Non-Nuclear Principles (not to produce, possess, or allow nuclear weapons to be brought into Japan) to be enacted into law.

The international conference adopted an appeal calling on all nuclear weapons states to eliminate their nuclear arsenals. -- Akahata, July 31 & August 1, 2005