International Peace Bureau
For a World Without War
Bureau International de la Paix
| Call for participation in the International Youth Rally: “Let Us Get Rid of Nuclear Weapons 2008” |
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Dear friends around the world and in Japan, We will hold the International Youth Rally: “Let Us Get Rid of Nuclear Weapons 2008”. We call on friends living in Japan and the rest of the world to begin preparations and take part in this event. This International Youth Rally will be our fourth event since we held the first Rally in 2005 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which was suggested by the young people of the French Peace Movement. This past August, we held the International Youth Rally 2007 in Hiroshima and Nagasaki where a total of 2200 young people from Japan and different parts of the world took part. In the Rally, we listened to the Hibakusha’s testimonies, exchanged activities we have developed in various regions, and confirmed our determination to succeed the Hibakusha’s will and convey it to people all over the world. Also the Preparatory Committee launched the “210,000 Paper Crane Project”, representing the number of lives snuffed out by the A-bombs. It gained wide support from the public and more than 500,000 paper cranes were brought to the Rally from around the country. Now, the wave of people’s opinion to abolish nuclear weapons and wars is rapidly growing both here in Japan and all over the world. In two years, many governmental delegations will assemble in New York to hold the 2010 NPT Review Conference to abolish nuclear weapons. Toward 2010, it is the task of the Japanese youth to join hands with the young people of the world to inherit the Hibakusha’s wishes that “no one should experience what we went through” and “Nuclear weapons must be abolished”, and send them out to the world in different forms of activities. Swift abolition of nuclear weapons depends on the will and actions of us youth, who bear responsibility for the future of the world. Let us strengthen our solidarity by exchanging our desire to abolish nuclear weapons at the International Youth Rally 2008. Following the success of the International Youth Rally at the Bikini Day events, we will hold the International Youth Rally 2008 in August in the A-bombed cities in Hiroshima and Nagasaki with the theme: “Succession of Hibakusha’s experiences: sending them out to the world”. Let us start our preparation by forming local organizing committees to send representatives to the Rally, for broader exchange and solidarity among youth to achieve a nuclear weapon-free world. We look forward to seeing you in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. February 2, 2008 |
| Provisional Program of the 2008 World Conference against A & H Bombs |
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Conference Theme: For a Nuclear Weapon-Free, Peaceful and Just World Aug. 4 (Mon.) 10:00-11:30 The World Conference against A and H Bombs is open to all organizations and individuals who share the goal of a total ban on nuclear weapons. All friends who want to participate in the conference are requested to make a pre-registration by using the pre-registration form attached. Events and Campaigns Associated with the 2008 World Conference International Youth Rally: “Let Us Get Rid of Nuclear Weapons 2008” This signature campaign started in January 2006 urges the U.N. and all governments of the world to begin negotiations with no further delay to reach an international convention for a total ban on and the elimination of nuclear weapons. We call on all people to join this signature campaign. Signature forms can be downloaded at: http://www10.plala.or.jp/antiatom/ 2008 Nationwide Peace March for a Ban on A & H Bombs The Nationwide Peace March marks the 50th anniversary this year. The total of some 100,000 people will walk in relays in the 11 main courses all across Japan, calling on local people and municipalities to support the elimination of nuclear weapons and the 2008 World Conference. The march from Tokyo to Hiroshima will start at the Fifth Lucky Dragon Museum, Tokyo, on May 6 and will arrive in Hiroshima on August 4. Let’s walk together to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March. If you are interested in joining the Peace March, please contact the secretariat. For details, contact: |
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