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2020 March 11 - 17 [PEACE]

Gensuikyo comments on cancellation of planned anti-nuke World Conference in NYC

Organizers of the planned World Conference against A and H Bombs slated to be held in New York City announced on March 12 their decision to cancel the conference in the wake of the uncontrolled spread of the new coronavirus in the United States.

On the day following the announcement, Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Japan Gensuikyo) Secretary General Yasui Masakazu issued a statement calling for further efforts to abolish nuclear weapons while expressing disappointment over the cancellation.

Yasui in the statement pointed out that in Japan, the plan to hold the World Conference in NYC attracted great expectations and support, and added that various efforts to achieve the success of the event centering on an effort to send delegates to NYC have been actively made. He said that based on these efforts, Gensuikyo will work to further develop a movement to prevent nuclear war, achieve the prohibition and elimination of all nuclear weapons, and work for the relief of radiation victims in solidarity with the world’s Hibakusha. These are goals stated in the call for the World Conference in NYC.

The Gensuikyo secretary general pointed out that it is important to gather voices from throughout the world demanding the abolition of nuclear weapons. He expressed his determination to continue to work hard to contribute to the development of international movements through various ways.

Yasui cited that the 2020 World Conference against A and H Bombs will be held in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August, the month commemorating the 75th anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombings. He said that in preparation for this year’s World Conference, it is necessary to increase joint efforts in the annual nationwide anti-nuke peace march scheduled to begin in May, the Hibakusha-led international signature-collection drive which will finish at the UN General Assembly in autumn, and a petition campaign for the adoption of local government resolutions urging the central government to sign and ratify the UN treaty banning nuclear weapons.

Past related article:
> Antinuke conference will be held in NYC in April 2020 [September 22, 2019]