Report by Ms. Evelyn Kamissek, the City of Hannover, Germany
This year, the German Mayors for Peace are celebrating a double anniversary on Flag Day. Twenty-five years ago, on July 8, 1996, the International Court of Justice in the Hague published a remarkable legal opinion. The Court found that the threat to use and the use of nuclear weapons generally violate international law. In addition, the Court found that there is an obligation under international law “to conduct and conclude negotiations in good faith leading to nuclear disarmament in all its aspects under strict and effective international control.”
To commemorate this expertise, the state capital of Hannover, as vice president of Mayors for Peace, introduced the so-called Flag Day in Germany 10 years ago. In the meantime, more and more cities across Germany are taking part in the campaign, with about 400 members flying the flag against nuclear weapons on July 8.
Numerous peace initiatives throughout Germany accompany this special day with a variety of actions.
Photos: courtesy of the City of Hannover