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Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Group of Eminent Persons Meeting－the 25th United Nations Conference on Disarmament Issues in Hiroshima
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Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Group of Eminent Persons Meeting
On August 24-25, 2015, the 70th year since the atomic bombing, the Group of Eminent Persons (GEM) Meeting was held for the first time in Japan, in Hiroshima City.
GEM is comprised of internationally-recognized specialists and eminent people who have experience in political positions, such as former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mr. William Perry and former UK Secretary of State for Defense Mr. Des Browne.
The aim of the meeting is to promote the issuance of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
In the opening session, Hiroshima Mayor Matsui stated "In the upcoming meeting, I expect that you will hold active and forward-thinking discussions on advancing the CTBT ratification and send out a strong message for creating a world without nuclear weapons from Hiroshima."
In response to a proposal by the City of Hiroshima, the meeting program also included a tour of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and an opportunity to listen to an atomic bomb testimony, to share among all meeting participants the hibakusha's experiences and wishes for peace, and to communicate the reality of the atomic bombing.
After the end of these items of the program, one participant commented "We must all make efforts to ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again," indicating a renewed determination to address the abolition of nuclear weapons.
At the end of the meeting, the Hiroshima Statement was adopted, urging the eight nations that have not ratified the CTBT, including the United States and China, to ratify it immediately.
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GEM member listening to an atomic bomb testimony by Ms. Ogura
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25th United Nations Conference on Disarmament Issues in Hiroshima
Following on from the GEM Meeting, the 25th United Nations Conference on Disarmament Issues in Hiroshima was held from August 26 to 28.
A total of 83 people from 23 countries and 5 international bodies attended the meeting.
The aim of this meeting is to heighten awareness of disarmament issues in the Asia-Pacific region and hold dialogue on disarmament and security.
It has been held since 1989, and this was the fourth time it has been held in Hiroshima, and the first time in 19 years.
In response to a proposal by the City of Hiroshima, the conference program this time included items to convey the reality of the atomic bombing, the Opening High-Level Session with GEM members participating, and the International Student Meeting on Peace where young people from Japan and overseas make presentations about peace.
■ Opening High-Level Session
On the morning of the first day of the conference, August 26, Professor Nobumasa Akiyama of Hitotsubashi University presided over the Opening High-Level Session entitled "Renewed Determination and Concrete Action towards the Realization of a World Free of Nuclear Weapons".
Former policymakers, hibakusha, the Hiroshima Mayor, the Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture and others attended the session.
Mr. Sunao Tsuboi, Chairperson of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organizations, stated
"The pain caused by radiation from the atomic bomb will continue until my death, but until my last breath I will not give up on the pursuit of the abolition of nuclear weapons,"
and there was active discussion on how to create a world free of nuclear weapons.
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■ Program Item to Communicate the Reality of the Atomic Bombing
On the afternoon of August 26, conference participants visited Peace Memorial Park.
After paying their respects and presenting flowers at the Cenotaph, participants were given a tour of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum led by Museum Director Mr. Kenji Shiga, and this was followed by an atomic bomb testimony by Ms. Yoshiko Kajimoto.
Ms. Kajimoto stated "Nuclear weapons cannot coexist with humankind. Please cease all war and abolish nuclear weapons."
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Conference participants presenting flowers at the Cenotaph
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■ International Student Meeting on Peace
On August 28, the International Student Meeting on Peace was held in Hiroshima, the city that was atomic-bombed, and students representing the next generation gathered to make presentations on and discuss the abolition of nuclear weapons and peace issues.
The aim was to have the students heighten their international awareness and to provide an opportunity for growth into people who can be active in the international community.
There were some strong presentations from the students during the conference, including one who said
"Even small steps by us are important steps. I want to continue our activities so that we can make the world a better place."
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Through this series of events over five days, we reaffirmed that visiting Hiroshima, the city that experienced the atomic bombing, provides a good opportunity to share thoughts about peace.
We were also able to communicate broadly to people in Japan and overseas the message that we aim to achieve the abolition of nuclear weapons by 2020.
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| (Peace and International Solidarity Promotion Division) |
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