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2020 Vision Phase Ⅱ
The unifying
theme for this international / national / local phase is mandatory Good
Faith. Ten years ago, the
International Court of Justice agreed unanimously that: “There exists an obligation to pursue in
good faith and bring to a conclusion negotiations leading to nuclear
disarmament in all its aspects under strict and effective international
control.”
Beginning in
October 2005, the international community is taking a new approach to
disarmament, an approach with real potential to result in a framework agreement
on nuclear weapons. In the coming months, it is vital that we encourage,
cultivate and strongly support this new multilateral effort. Mayors for Peace
will challenge the UN, individual nations, elected officials at all levels, and
individuals to demonstrate good faith in the effort to eliminate nuclear
weapons.
Good Faith Challenge
Nations must
work together to develop a systematic and progressive approach to achieving a
nuclear-weapon-free world. Nations that do not uphold their responsibilities in
this regard should find themselves under intense pressure to do so. Citizens
need to remain aware of the role their governments are playing internationally,
supporting any positive contributions and loudly criticizing any delays or
obstruction. The Good Faith Challenge will demand that elected officials at all
levels take a clear stand and promote disarmament negotiations to the limits of
their authority. It will challenge the rest of us to do everything in our power
to ensure that our nations are negotiating in good faith to build a nuclear- weapon-free
world.
Cities Are Not Targets (CANT)
At the city
level, the Good Faith Challenge becomes the CANT project. Mayors for Peace will
encourage and assist cities and municipal associations in demanding assurances
from nuclear-weapon states that cities are not and will not be targeted for
nuclear attack. Cities are homes and offices. They are not legitimate targets
for bombs. To obliterate a city for any reason whatsoever is an illegal,
immoral crime against humanity and not to be tolerated.
The CANT project
is not a selfish attempt by cities to protect themselves. Using the example of
entire cities held hostage, we intend to reveal the cruel absurdity of nuclear
war.
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