Hiroshima 67 Years After: UN Urges Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

Human Wrongs Watch

Marking the 67th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on 6 August, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged countries to work together to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons and stressed the importance of honouring victims and survivors by sharing their stories with new generations.

The remains of the Prefectural Industry Promotion Building, later preserved as a monument – known as the Genbaku Dome – at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. UN Photo

“The tragedy in Hiroshima decades ago continues to resonate today,” Ban said in a message to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, honouring those killed when an atomic bomb was dropped on the Japanese city on 6 August 1945, during the closing stages of the Second World War.

“There must never be another nuclear attack – never. The elimination of such weapons is not just a visionary goal, but the most reliable way to prevent their future use,” the UN chief stressed in his message.

Peace Memorial to Appease Souls of Those Killed

According to the city’s official website, the Peace Memorial Ceremony is held, in front of the Hiroshima Peace City Memorial Monument, to appease the souls of those killed by the atomic bomb and to pray for eternal peace on Earth, the UN reports.

During the ceremony, the Peace Declaration, which appeals for the abolition of nuclear weapons and for the realization of eternal world peace, is delivered by the Mayor of Hiroshima City and is transmitted worldwide.Over 400,000 people have died – with more continuing to die – since the end of the Second World War from the impacts of the bombings in Hiroshima, as well as the city of Nagasaki, which was bombed three days after Hiroshima.

Nuclear Weapons Have No Legitimate Place

“People understand that nuclear weapons cannot be used without indiscriminate effects on civilian populations,” Ban said in his message. “Such weapons have no legitimate place in our world. Their elimination is both morally right and a practical necessity in protecting humanity.”

Ban highlighted the importance of making the stories of the hibakusha – as the victims of the bombings are known – heard throughout the world, to raise awareness of the effects of nuclear weapons and the need to eliminate them.

“Your message is being heard. I am very pleased that the testimonies of many hibakusha are being translated into several languages. In support of these efforts, the United Nations has just launched a multimedia website of hibakusha telling their stories,” he said. “It is very important that these words be heard and understood in all countries, especially by the younger generation.”

The website, which was jointly produced by the UN Office of Disarmament Affairs and Japanese artist and director Shinpei Takeda, showcases over 60 interviews with survivors who travelled to America after the bombings in an attempt to highlight the long-term impact of weapons of mass destruction.

Everybody has a Stake

Ban has made nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation a top priority. In 2008, he put forward a five-point plan that includes recommendations on increasing security, verification, and establishing a legal framework for nuclear disarmament, transparency and conventional weapons.

In a message to the 2012 World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs, held after the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, Secretary-General Ban emphasized that achieving a future without nuclear weapons would require international cooperation and called on countries to work towards this goal.

“[Nuclear disarmament] will require hard work and the collaboration of a wide variety of individuals and groups throughout the international community. It will require close cooperation between groups of States, and it will require a central focus at the United Nations,” Ban said in the remarks.

“The burden for achieving disarmament cannot be borne by peace groups alone,” he added. “Everybody, regardless of age, income, profession, gender or nationality, has a stake in this quest.”

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