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March 17, 2008
For a Nuclear Weapon-Free, Peaceful and Just World:
Information on the 2008 World Conference against
Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs
Dear Friends,
Aspiring to a nuclear weapon-free, peaceful and just world, we will hold the 2008 World Conference against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs from August 2 to 9, 2008, in the A-bombed cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We cordially invite people worldwide, both in and out of Japan, who share the common goal to take part in and support the World Conference.
This year’s world conference will serve as a springboard for developing a joint international campaign toward the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference in the spring of 2010. The implementation of the “unequivocal undertaking” to eliminate nuclear weapons, agreed to in the 2000 Review Conference by the nuclear weapons states was sought for in the last NPT Review Conference held in 2005. But the conference ended in failure, due to the attempt by the U.S. to focus only on “nuclear non-proliferation.”
However, the disastrous situation in Iraq caused by the US led-war using the proliferation as a pretext has not only shown the bankruptcy of “order imposed by power” but also the fact that the abolition of nuclear weapons is the only way to overcome threats from nuclear weapons. Under these circumstances, a determination to jointly endeavor to achieve the implementation of promise by the nuclear weapons states is growing among NGOs, national governments and local municipalities.
The U.N. General Assembly last December adopted resolutions to urge the implementation of the agreement to abolish nuclear weapons and to demand an early commencement of negotiations leading to the elimination of nuclear weapons with greater support than in previous years. We are also witnessing a new move in which former advisors to different U.S. Presidents, secretaries of state and defense, and the defense and foreign ministers of its allies are calling on the nuclear weapons states to take action toward a “nuclear weapon-free world”.
Now is the time for all the people of the world who wish to achieve a “nuclear weapon-free world” to work together and develop broader and greater actions.
At the same time, we are aware of the responsibility of the Japanese movements. Against the wish of the people for a nuclear-free and peaceful Japan, and in defiance of a worldwide trend, our government is deepening Japan’s dependence on the U.S. “nuclear umbrella” and promoting revision of the peace Constitution. We urge the government of the world’s only A-bombed nation to assume a leading role for nuclear weapons abolition and to contribute to world peace by strictly observing the Three Non-Nuclear Principles and Article 9 of the Constitution. To this end, we are determined to make progress in our grass-roots movements, working together with the Hibakusha.
The World Conference against A & H Bombs has helped develop international solidarity and joint efforts between anti-nuclear peace movements of the world and governments working for the elimination of nuclear weapons. Let us have active discussion and interactions, and expand our movements further to open a sure perspective for a future set free of threats from nuclear weapons. We also hope to develop our solidarity with the movements against war and for peace, and for protection of environment and people’s livelihoods.
We cordially call on you to take part in and give support to the 2008 World Conference. We also call for your cooperation with the Nationwide Peace March which marks its 50th anniversary this year, the signature campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons, and holding of A-bomb exhibitions.
61st General Meeting, Organizing Committee of the World Conference against A & H Bombs
Provisional Program of the 2008 World Conference
against A & H Bombs
Conference Theme: For a Nuclear Weapon-Free, Peaceful and Just World
Program
Aug. 1(Fri): Information meeting
Aug. 1(Fri.) 19:00-20:00 Arrival in Hiroshima; Information meeting for overseas delegates
(Hotel Sunroute Hiroshima)
Aug. 2(Sat.) - Aug. 4 (Mon.): International Meeting (in Hiroshima)
Representatives from peace organizations in Japan and overseas will report their activities and exchange their views of the situation and tasks facing us. A common view of the participants will be reflected in a declaration of the International Meeting adopted in the Closing Session on August 4.
Venue: Kosei Nenkin Kaikan
Aug. 2 (Sat.) 14:00-19:00 Opening and Plenary Sessions
Aug. 3 (Sun.) 9:30-18:00 Plenary Session and Workshops
Aug. 4 (Mon.) 9:30-11:00 Closing Session
Aug. 4 (Mon.) - Aug. 6(Wed.): 2008 World Conference against A & H Bombs - Hiroshima
Aug. 4 (Mon.) Noon: Arrival of the 50th anniversary of the Nationwide Peace March
14:00-16:30 Opening Plenary, World Conference against A & H
Bombs -Hiroshima (Prefectural Gymnasium)
17:30- International Youth Rally “Let Us Get Rid of Nuclear Weapons 2008
in Hiroshima”
Aug. 5 (Tue.) 9:30-13:00 Workshops and field trips
Visiting the Hibakusha (Organized by the Preparatory Committee of
the International Youth Rally)
Evening No Nukes! Women’s Forum 2008
Aug. 6 (Wed.) 8:00-8:45 Peace Memorial Ceremony (Peace Park)
(Sponsored by the City of Hiroshima)
10:30-13:00 Closing Plenary, 2008 World Conference - Hiroshima
(Prefectural Gymnasium)
19:30-20:30 Lantern floating ceremony (Motomachi River Park)
Aug. 7 (Thurs.) Move from Hiroshima to Nagasaki by chartered bus
Aug.8 (Fri.) - Aug.9 (Sat.): 2008 World Conference against A & H Bombs - Nagasaki
Aug. 8 (Fri.) 13:00-16:00 International Forum
“Global Action toward 2010 for Abolition of Nuclear Weapons”
17:00- International Youth Rally “Let Us Get Rid of Nuclear Weapons 2008
in Nagasaki”
Aug. 9 (Sat.) 10:30-13:00 World Conference against A & H Bombs-Nagasaki
14:00-15:00 Nagasaki Day Signature Campaign (Kuroganebashi Bridge)
18:00-20:00 Reception
Registration and Participation Fee
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.
The conference is financed by the registration fee of each participant and contribution from individuals and organizations supporting the Organizing Committee. All participants are asked to cover their own travel and lodging expenses. The registration fee for the overseas delegates is US$30 or 3000 Japanese yen for each.
To ease the financial burden of the overseas participants, the Organizing Committee will arrange the following measures:
- For three nights on Aug. 1-3, the Organizing Committee will cover the cost of lodging for up to two persons from each delegation attending the International Meeting. Besides, we are calling on citizens in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to offer rooms for the overseas delegates for the rest of the conference period. Overseas delegates will not be charged for the home-stay.
- The organizer is ready to assist the organizations of nuclear test victims with their travel and participation in the conference. It will cover the travel cost for one delegate from each major nuclear victims’ group. For more details, please contact the secretariat.
Please note that the Organizer cannot give any financial assistance for international travel or hotel expenses to overseas delegates other than nuclear victims’ organizations and special guests. Those who need to apply for Japanese entry visa should contact the Secretariat individually.
In the evening on Aug. 1, from 19:00 at Hotel Sunroute Hiroshima, we will have an information meeting on the 2008 World Conference for the overseas delegates. All friends planning to participate in the World Conference are requested to arrive in Hiroshima in time for this meeting.
The working language of the conference will be English and Japanese. If you need assistance for other language than English, please contact the secretariat.
Events and Campaigns Associated with the 2008 World Conference
International Youth Rally: “Let Us Get Rid of Nuclear Weapons 2008 ”
In Hiroshima: 17:30- August 4
In Nagasaki: 17:00- August 8
See the attached call. Contact E-mail: hibiki(a)antiatom.org
No Nukes! Women’s Forum 2008
Evening, August 5 in Hiroshima
Signature Campaign for the “Call for the Swift Abolition of Nuclear Weapons”
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: Organizing Committee, World Conference against A & H Bombs
2-4-4 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, 113-8464 Tokyo, Japan
Tel: 81-3-5842-6034, Fax: 81-3-5842-6033, Email: intl(a)antiatom.org
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