Japan Press Weekly

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2024 October 16 - 22 [PEACE]

Hiroshima A-bomb survivors’ groups call for Japan’s ratification of UN treaty banning nuclear weapons

Seven organizations of A-bomb survivors (Hibakusha) in Hiroshima Prefecture on October 17 issued a statement regarding the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, and called on the Japanese government to sign and ratify the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW).

The statement released at a press conference in the Hiroshima city hall emphasizes that the efforts made by many organizations and individuals, including Nihon Hidankyo, have helped to develop and strengthen the global movement for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the relief of all nuclear victims. It points out that the N-ban treaty is the crystallization of these efforts, and that such efforts were the reason for the award.

The statement severely criticizes Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru who advocates “nuclear sharing” with the United States in disregard of Japan’s national policy of Three Non-Nuclear Principles. It warns that “Japan will betray international expectations if it does not join the treaty,” and demands that “Japan play a role in exerting pressure on nuclear-weapon states to eliminate their nuclear arsenal.”

Kwon Joon-oh, second-generation Korean Hibakusha who was present at the press conference, said he wants people to know that there are many Hibakusha in Korea as well who survived the A-bomb attacks 79 years ago.

Past related article:
> Hibakusha win 2024 Nobel Peace Prize [October 12, 2024]