Hiroshima Hidankyo holds general meeting, continues to call for nuclear abolition, concludes G7 brought no progress toward elimination of nuclear weapons
Jun. 6, 2023
by Kana Kobayashi, Staff Writer
The Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organizations (Hiroshima Hidankyo), chaired by Toshiyuki Mimaki, held a general meeting in Naka Ward, Hiroshima, on June 5. Evaluating the summit of The Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations held in May in Hiroshima, the organization concluded the summit did not bring the expected progress toward nuclear abolition, but appreciated the fact the leaders of those nations had faced the reality of the atomic bombing. Members of Hiroshima Hidankyo renewed their determination to continue calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons.
Representing groups of A-bomb survivors in the prefecture, about 50 members attended the meeting. In his address, Mr. Mimaki said, “It is impossible for the G7 alone to eliminate nuclear weapons from the world. Let us continue calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons until they are eliminated from the Earth.”
The secretariat presented a summary document, which stated the “Hiroshima Vision,” the summit’s document concerning nuclear disarmament, fell short of their hopes and expectations, as it supported the idea of nuclear deterrence, whereas the organization hoped to see some progress in reducing the number of nuclear weapons or in the no-first-use policy. On the positive side, the summary document expressed hope the leaders have come to realize nuclear weapons “cannot be used and must not be allowed to be used” by learning about the horrors of the use of nuclear weapons through such opportunities as listening to the stories of A-bomb survivors.
At the general meeting, the participants decided on this year’s fiscal plan. The memorial service, which has been held on August 6, will be moved up to August 5. Considering the aging of A-bomb survivors, participants will be limited to leading members of Hiroshima Hidankyo, and the number of participants will be reduced from about 100 to about 20.
(Originally published on June 6, 2023)
The Hiroshima Prefectural Confederation of A-bomb Sufferers Organizations (Hiroshima Hidankyo), chaired by Toshiyuki Mimaki, held a general meeting in Naka Ward, Hiroshima, on June 5. Evaluating the summit of The Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations held in May in Hiroshima, the organization concluded the summit did not bring the expected progress toward nuclear abolition, but appreciated the fact the leaders of those nations had faced the reality of the atomic bombing. Members of Hiroshima Hidankyo renewed their determination to continue calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons.
Representing groups of A-bomb survivors in the prefecture, about 50 members attended the meeting. In his address, Mr. Mimaki said, “It is impossible for the G7 alone to eliminate nuclear weapons from the world. Let us continue calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons until they are eliminated from the Earth.”
The secretariat presented a summary document, which stated the “Hiroshima Vision,” the summit’s document concerning nuclear disarmament, fell short of their hopes and expectations, as it supported the idea of nuclear deterrence, whereas the organization hoped to see some progress in reducing the number of nuclear weapons or in the no-first-use policy. On the positive side, the summary document expressed hope the leaders have come to realize nuclear weapons “cannot be used and must not be allowed to be used” by learning about the horrors of the use of nuclear weapons through such opportunities as listening to the stories of A-bomb survivors.
At the general meeting, the participants decided on this year’s fiscal plan. The memorial service, which has been held on August 6, will be moved up to August 5. Considering the aging of A-bomb survivors, participants will be limited to leading members of Hiroshima Hidankyo, and the number of participants will be reduced from about 100 to about 20.
(Originally published on June 6, 2023)
