A - Bomb Survivors Urge Japan To Join Un Treaty
A group of atomic bomb survivors has renewed its call on the Japanese government to sign a United Nations treaty banning the use, development and possession of nuclear weapons.
Nihon Hidankyo, or the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, issued a statement to mark the first anniversary of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which took effect on January 22, 2021.
The group describes the treaty as a big step toward realizing the hopes of atomic bomb survivors, who say nobody should experience the same suffering they did.
The statement urges the government to join the treaty promptly. It also calls for urgently ending the reliance on nuclear deterrence, and instead focusing on the inhumane aspect of the weapons.
It also criticizes a joint statement issued earlier in January by the world's nuclear powers, including the United States, Russia and China. The countries said nuclear weapons should only serve to deter aggression.
Nihon Hidankyo says they are turning a blind eye to the fact that possessing nuclear weapons poses the largest risk.
The group wants the Japanese government to invite them and their allies to join the treaty.