Hiroshima citizens welcome word “hibakusha” in draft treaty to outlaw nuclear arms
May 24, 2017
by Kanako Noda and Kyosuke Mizukawa, Staff Writers
On May 23, people in the A-bombed city welcomed the fact that the word “hibakusha” (A-bomb survivor) has been included in the first draft of a treaty that would outlaw nuclear weapons. The contents of the draft, with language that prohibits the development and use of nuclear weapons, were also well received. Some said that discussions on the treaty must now deepen by drawing a road map that involves the nuclear weapon states and Japan in future talks, as these countries have so far refused to take part in the treaty negotiations at the United Nations.
Toshiyuki Mimaki, 75, the vice chair of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organizations (Hiroshima Hidankyo, chaired by Sunao Tsuboi), commented, “I’m happy that wording which shows compassion for the A-bomb survivors has been included in the treaty. This is very encouraging for our activities in the future.” Mr. Mimaki plans to observe the second round of U.N. negotiations on the treaty, which will take place in New York next month. “After these talks, concluding the treaty will be around the corner, but the world is now in a state of chaos. I hope the treaty will be thoroughly discussed and then finalized,” he said.
Speaking to reporters at a hotel in Minami Ward, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui said that, regarding the mention of “hibakusha” in the draft treaty, the use of this word in Japanese conveys a wider meaning than the expression “A-bomb survivor,” its English translation, by also incorporating the broader idea of “nuclear sufferer.” He also spoke favorably of the treaty’s provisions, saying, “These provisions will enable people to understand the need to outlaw the development and use of nuclear weapons.”
“The term ‘hibakusha’ signifies that nuclear weapons must never again be used against human beings. The persistent appeals of the A-bomb survivors have finally mobilized public opinion,” said Kunihiko Sakuma, 72, the chair of the other Hiroshima Hidankyo, who stressed the significance of the draft treaty. At the same time, he criticized the Japanese government, which represents the A-bombed nation, for failing to take part in the treaty negotiations. “Why is the Japanese government unable to share the same point of view as the A-bomb survivors?” he asked. “This government is the shame of the whole world.”
Nihon Hidankyo (Japan Confederation of Atomic and Hydrogen Bomb Sufferers Organizations) released a statement that welcomes the draft treaty as the first large step toward a world without nuclear weapons. The statement also calls for the nuclear nations and their allies to proactively take part in the U.N. talks to establish the treaty.
Yasuhito Fukui, an associate professor of the Hiroshima Peace Institute at Hiroshima City University and an expert on international disarmament law, analyzed the draft and said, “As this document describes the various effects brought about by the use of nuclear weapons, it is organized well to serve as the basis for further discussion. In addition, it remains consistent with preceding treaties including the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT).” Mr. Fukui observed the first round of U.N. talks on the treaty, which took place in March.
From these observations, he said that gaining the involvement of the nuclear nations, which are opposed to such a treaty, was still a significant challenge. “It’s important that the treaty clarify how it would reinforce the NPT and contribute to resolving current security issues, like North Korea’s continuing efforts to develop missiles and nuclear arms after declaring its withdrawal from the NPT,” Mr. Fukui said.
(Originally published on May 24, 2017)
On May 23, people in the A-bombed city welcomed the fact that the word “hibakusha” (A-bomb survivor) has been included in the first draft of a treaty that would outlaw nuclear weapons. The contents of the draft, with language that prohibits the development and use of nuclear weapons, were also well received. Some said that discussions on the treaty must now deepen by drawing a road map that involves the nuclear weapon states and Japan in future talks, as these countries have so far refused to take part in the treaty negotiations at the United Nations.
Toshiyuki Mimaki, 75, the vice chair of the Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organizations (Hiroshima Hidankyo, chaired by Sunao Tsuboi), commented, “I’m happy that wording which shows compassion for the A-bomb survivors has been included in the treaty. This is very encouraging for our activities in the future.” Mr. Mimaki plans to observe the second round of U.N. negotiations on the treaty, which will take place in New York next month. “After these talks, concluding the treaty will be around the corner, but the world is now in a state of chaos. I hope the treaty will be thoroughly discussed and then finalized,” he said.
Speaking to reporters at a hotel in Minami Ward, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui said that, regarding the mention of “hibakusha” in the draft treaty, the use of this word in Japanese conveys a wider meaning than the expression “A-bomb survivor,” its English translation, by also incorporating the broader idea of “nuclear sufferer.” He also spoke favorably of the treaty’s provisions, saying, “These provisions will enable people to understand the need to outlaw the development and use of nuclear weapons.”
“The term ‘hibakusha’ signifies that nuclear weapons must never again be used against human beings. The persistent appeals of the A-bomb survivors have finally mobilized public opinion,” said Kunihiko Sakuma, 72, the chair of the other Hiroshima Hidankyo, who stressed the significance of the draft treaty. At the same time, he criticized the Japanese government, which represents the A-bombed nation, for failing to take part in the treaty negotiations. “Why is the Japanese government unable to share the same point of view as the A-bomb survivors?” he asked. “This government is the shame of the whole world.”
Nihon Hidankyo (Japan Confederation of Atomic and Hydrogen Bomb Sufferers Organizations) released a statement that welcomes the draft treaty as the first large step toward a world without nuclear weapons. The statement also calls for the nuclear nations and their allies to proactively take part in the U.N. talks to establish the treaty.
Yasuhito Fukui, an associate professor of the Hiroshima Peace Institute at Hiroshima City University and an expert on international disarmament law, analyzed the draft and said, “As this document describes the various effects brought about by the use of nuclear weapons, it is organized well to serve as the basis for further discussion. In addition, it remains consistent with preceding treaties including the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT).” Mr. Fukui observed the first round of U.N. talks on the treaty, which took place in March.
From these observations, he said that gaining the involvement of the nuclear nations, which are opposed to such a treaty, was still a significant challenge. “It’s important that the treaty clarify how it would reinforce the NPT and contribute to resolving current security issues, like North Korea’s continuing efforts to develop missiles and nuclear arms after declaring its withdrawal from the NPT,” Mr. Fukui said.
(Originally published on May 24, 2017)
