81 years ago, the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki experienced the indescribable horrors of the atomic bombings. Since then, the survivors of this catastrophe are warning about the dangers of nuclear weaponry. This year on July 8, more than 600 cities in Germany will once again send a clear signal against wars and for a peaceful world without nuclear weapons by hoisting the Mayors for Peace flag in front of their town halls.
Exactly 30 years ago, on July 8, 1996, the International Court of Justice in The Hague issued an advisory opinion stating that the threat or use of nuclear weapons generally violates international law. It also reaffirmed the obligation under international law “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.”
Yet nuclear weapons are currently playing a more prominent role in international security policy once again. The nuclear disarmament regime appears to have been weakened. According to estimates by experts at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the nine nuclear-armed states still possess 12,187 nuclear warheads. The peace researchers also warn of a new arms race among the nuclear powers.
Belit Onay, Mayor of Hannover and Vice President of the Mayors for Peace network says: “The atomic bomb is back on the world stage. As Mayors for Peace, we cannot accept this. Especially now, at a time when the rules-based world order is faltering, the world needs a return to the negotiating table for nuclear disarmament talks. As a Lead City of Mayors for Peace, we will work together with over 900 member cities in Germany to advocate for this.”
To counter a new wave of nuclear arms race, the member cities of “Mayors for Peace” are sending a clear message by raising the “Mayors for Peace” flag in front of their city halls on July 8. On this day, the members of the international network—chaired by Hiroshima—will commemorate the 1996 ICJ advisory opinion and advocate for nuclear disarmament and global peace.
Copyright: City of Hannover