Japan Press Weekly

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2017 June 7 - 13 [PEACE]

A-bomb survivors request JCP to push gov’t to support nuclear weapons ban treaty

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on June 8 in the Lower House members’ office building received a visit by representatives of the largest A-bomb survivors’ organization who came to ask for JCP cooperation in pushing the Japanese government to sit at the UN table to negotiate a nuclear weapons ban treaty.

Those who represent the Japan Confederation of A- and H-bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) also made a request to the JCP for Diet efforts to support the treaty, work to fundamentally review the present official criteria for recognizing Hibakusha diseases as caused by the 1945 atomic bombings, and give support to second/third-generation Hibakusha.

Welcoming their visit, Shii said, “Our party will continue pressing the government to change its present stance and will do our utmost to have Japan join the international pact. Let’s work together to achieve this!”

Shii quoted Elayne Whyte, the president of the UN conference on a nuclear weapons ban treaty, who said, “The ‘Hibakusha signatures’ gives me strength.” He said, “The signature campaign you have been promoting is encouraging for the world’s governments.” He then expressed his respect and gratitude to Hibakusha for their tireless activities.

The Nihon Hidankyo made similar representations to the Cabinet Office, Health and Welfare Ministry, Foreign Ministry and each political party.

Past related article:
> Shii issues statement welcoming draft N-ban treaty[May 24, 2017]