World Conference against A & H Bombs continues in Hiroshima
Aug. 6, 2013
by Jumpei Fujimura, Staff Writer
The World Conference against A & H Bombs, sponsored by the Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Gensuikyo) and other organizations, continued its proceedings on August 4 at the Hiroshima City Bunka Koryu Kaikan in downtown Hiroshima. Peace activists from abroad, including from nuclear weapon states, reported on their efforts to advance the abolition of nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, people taking part in the “Citizens Peace March” from Tokyo and other locations arrived at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on the same day.
At the conference session, Joseph Gerson of the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker organization, reported on the group’s signature-collection campaign to call for budget reductions in the U.S. nuclear development program. The campaign is being conducted in cooperation with other organizations which advocate improvements in the nation’s social welfare system and infrastructure. Mr. Gerson said that cooperation with other movements helps strengthen and expand the foundation of their campaign.
Aurelie Royon, co-president of the French Peace Movement, emphasized the effectiveness of grassroots movements. Ms. Royon reported on her organization’s successful efforts, including an anti-nuclear campaign along the route of the Tour de France, an annual cycling race, and a hunger strike held in memory of A-bomb victims on August 6 in Paris, France.
The Citizens Peace March was organized by an executive committee formed by Gensuikyo and other entities. Participants left Tokyo in May and walked through 12 prefectures. They held a rally at their final destination, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and chanted, “Let’s realize a world without nuclear weapons.”
(Originally published on August 5, 2013)
The World Conference against A & H Bombs, sponsored by the Japan Council against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs (Gensuikyo) and other organizations, continued its proceedings on August 4 at the Hiroshima City Bunka Koryu Kaikan in downtown Hiroshima. Peace activists from abroad, including from nuclear weapon states, reported on their efforts to advance the abolition of nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, people taking part in the “Citizens Peace March” from Tokyo and other locations arrived at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on the same day.
At the conference session, Joseph Gerson of the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker organization, reported on the group’s signature-collection campaign to call for budget reductions in the U.S. nuclear development program. The campaign is being conducted in cooperation with other organizations which advocate improvements in the nation’s social welfare system and infrastructure. Mr. Gerson said that cooperation with other movements helps strengthen and expand the foundation of their campaign.
Aurelie Royon, co-president of the French Peace Movement, emphasized the effectiveness of grassroots movements. Ms. Royon reported on her organization’s successful efforts, including an anti-nuclear campaign along the route of the Tour de France, an annual cycling race, and a hunger strike held in memory of A-bomb victims on August 6 in Paris, France.
The Citizens Peace March was organized by an executive committee formed by Gensuikyo and other entities. Participants left Tokyo in May and walked through 12 prefectures. They held a rally at their final destination, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and chanted, “Let’s realize a world without nuclear weapons.”
(Originally published on August 5, 2013)
