Joint statement led by Japan calls for promotion of nuclear disarmament education
May 13, 2010
by Yumi Kanazaki, Staff Writer, dispatched from New York
On May 11, at the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference being held at United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Japanese government issued a joint statement of 42 nations, including Japan, which appeals for the importance of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation education. The statement stresses that nuclear disarmament education supports the achievement of a nuclear-free world. This is the first joint statement on this subject. Japan is set to make efforts so that the statement is reflected in the final document to be produced at the NPT.
Nations including Russia, a nuclear weapon state, as well as Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, and Thailand, all non-nuclear weapon states, responded to Japan's call, while such nations as the United States, France, and China did not join the effort.
Akio Suda, permanent representative of Japan to the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament, read out the statement on behalf of the 42 nations at Main Committee 1, charged with discussing nuclear disarmament. Mr. Suda said the statement is designed to raise the awareness of future generations on the tragic consequences of the use of nuclear weapons as well as nurture knowledge and critical thinking. He also called for close cooperation among nations and civil society.
After reading the statement, Mr. Suda stressed that nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation education is vital and that Japan is making a concerted effort in this regard as the only nation to have suffered nuclear attack. Mr. Suda added that he feels very strongly there are many other countries which share the same view.
Japan has already submitted to the review conference, along with the United Nations University, a working paper with proposals including the promotion of nuclear disarmament education and the utilization of digital technology for preserving the accounts of A-bomb survivors.
On the same day, closed-door subsidiary bodies of Committee 2, its main theme nuclear non-proliferation, and Committee 3, its main theme the peaceful use of nuclear technology, were held. At these subcommittees, participating nations exchanged views on regional security issues, addressing withdrawals from the NPT, and other matters.
(Originally published on May 13, 2010)
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Discussion begins in committee on nuclear disarmament (May 10, 2010)
On May 11, at the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference being held at United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Japanese government issued a joint statement of 42 nations, including Japan, which appeals for the importance of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation education. The statement stresses that nuclear disarmament education supports the achievement of a nuclear-free world. This is the first joint statement on this subject. Japan is set to make efforts so that the statement is reflected in the final document to be produced at the NPT.
Nations including Russia, a nuclear weapon state, as well as Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, and Thailand, all non-nuclear weapon states, responded to Japan's call, while such nations as the United States, France, and China did not join the effort.
Akio Suda, permanent representative of Japan to the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament, read out the statement on behalf of the 42 nations at Main Committee 1, charged with discussing nuclear disarmament. Mr. Suda said the statement is designed to raise the awareness of future generations on the tragic consequences of the use of nuclear weapons as well as nurture knowledge and critical thinking. He also called for close cooperation among nations and civil society.
After reading the statement, Mr. Suda stressed that nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation education is vital and that Japan is making a concerted effort in this regard as the only nation to have suffered nuclear attack. Mr. Suda added that he feels very strongly there are many other countries which share the same view.
Japan has already submitted to the review conference, along with the United Nations University, a working paper with proposals including the promotion of nuclear disarmament education and the utilization of digital technology for preserving the accounts of A-bomb survivors.
On the same day, closed-door subsidiary bodies of Committee 2, its main theme nuclear non-proliferation, and Committee 3, its main theme the peaceful use of nuclear technology, were held. At these subcommittees, participating nations exchanged views on regional security issues, addressing withdrawals from the NPT, and other matters.
(Originally published on May 13, 2010)
Related articles
Discussion begins in committee on nuclear disarmament (May 10, 2010)
