World Conference against A & H Bombs — Closing Plenary/ Hiroshima Day Rally
August 6, 2024
Hiroshima, Japan
Abacca Anjain-Maddison
Former Senator, Rongelap Atoll
Marshall Islands
Iakwe!!
It’s a great honor and privilege to be invited to join you in commemorating the innocent lives lost as a result of the US bombings of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Thousands of innocent lives were lost and countless of people suffered even to this day.
The story of the Marshall Islands Nuclear Legacy is no different from the story of the Japanese people. The horror of nuclear bombs began immediately after WWII when the United Nation gave administrative authority to the United States over the Marshall Islands. For 13 years the US carried out its nuclear testing program which resulted in 67 atomic and hydrogen bombs detonated in the northern part of the Marshall Islands. There were 23 bombs tested on Bikini, 2 bombs exploded in between Bikini and Enewetak and 42 bombs exploded on Enewetak atoll. The infamous Bravo shot tested on Bikini on March 1st, 1954 was 1,000 times stronger than Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs. The bomb that almost killed all the crew on the Daigo Fukuryu Maru (Lucky Dragon) boat, vaporized couple of islands, contaminated Bikini and give its half-life tag, it was so strong that 100 miles away, the mushroom clouds sprinkled snow like matters on the people of Rongelap and poisoned the land.
In 1954, the people of Bikini were not made aware about the true extent of the bravo shot. The Americans led them to believe that detonating the bravo shot was good for all mankind, so the islanders agreed and let the Americans to provide ride to another atoll called (Rongerik atoll). On a nearby atoll called Rongelap it was just another day; everyone was doing things as usual. The children played in the field while the men collected coconut, some were out fishing, the women were doing housework then suddenly on a sunny day snow fell from the sky. My uncle, late John Anjain was the mayor of Rongelap at the time and according to him, later that afternoon everyone couldn’t stop scratching children and adults alike, they suffered from diarrhea, dehydration and were nauseated. After a couple of days everyone’s hair fell off, no exception. What was really upsetting, he said, was seeing his sisters, aunties and mother feeling ashamed for the hair loss and humiliated when they were hosed down. In Marshallese culture, a woman is not supposed to appear wet, especially the hair. For 3 months in a camp on Kwajalein base everyday 83 children and adults were required to wash and bathe in the lagoon with no explanation why. The US was very successful in keeping secrets.
The Project 4.1 is the name of the study conducted on the affected people of Rongelap and families like guinea pigs. They were compared with unexposed individuals called controlled groups after injecting blood and other substances. Food intake from contaminated soil was another type of study our people went through without knowing. A Lot of information was revealed when the US released the declassified documents. My late father was also a subject matter to the US, he was injected with chromium substance. We learned of this heartbreaking news after he died. Late Jeton Anjain was a dentist and in his lifetime he had 3 types of cancer and lost his battle to bone cancer.
Many years after the bomb test ended, many Marshallese regardless of where they’re from in the country, many have died or suffered from cancer. Marshall Islands is one of the countries that has the highest number of cancer in the world. The Special Rapporteur reported that the nuclear testings in the Marshall Islands had immediate and continuing effects on human rights that resulted in fatalities and serious health complications, and that the radiation had led to environmental contamination and the loss of livelihoods and lands, continued to suffer to adverse effects of radiation from nuclear tests, resulting in elevated levels of cancer, birth defects and psychological trauma that continue to this day and that Marshallese women and girls suffered disproportionately from thyroid and other cancer and from reproductive health problems.
Last month, the RMI (Republic of the Marshall Islands) hosted the 15th Triennial of the Pacific Women and the 8th conference for Minister for Women conferences was held in Majuro for the first time in Majuro. The RMI in its statement called on the Pacific women and leaders to stand in solidarity with the RMI in fighting for justice, healing and a brighter future for the Pacific. Also to commit to non-proliferation and disarmament as not only pose threats but also the potential to exacerbate the climate change to catastrophic level.
But earlier in March, it was the 70th year anniversary of the Bravo the whole country was observing the holiday, call it Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day — it’s a national holiday. On this very same day, the Japanese ceremony is held where all Marshallese are called to participate. Joining us this year, a team representing Gensuikyo was sent to the Marshall Island and with them along with Former Ambassador Thomas Hajnoczi. The Ambassador was able to talk with a number of government leaders, hibakushas and others who were curious including the leaders of the 4 tolls. This was a perfect timing because Mr. Hajnoczi was invited to speak in a workshop hosted by the Human Rights personnel about the TPNW. We met with leaders like Ministers, Senators, Mayors, including leaders from the 4 affected atolls and Kwajalein. They showed interest in pursuing the signing of the Treaty. However, the decision is with the Government, the President and the Cabinet.
I wouldn’t say this is the end of the road except that there’s a need for better and more consistent community outreach. When the college students participated in the debate on the TPNW it was very clear that information was lacking. The number of countries who have signed and ratified the Treaty is increasing and I do believe this is the right thing to do. Article 6 & 7 were created because of the Marshall Islands and Hibakushas as one of the people who participated in the negotiations, I can attest to that. The question is, are these articles enough? Is the treaty enough to bring about justice to the victims? The answers should be part of the community outreach materials.
To end, I’d like to commend the Gensuikyo for doing a great job organizing these important events. In my culture women hold many roles but two of them I’ll make mention of: 1) Peace Makers (Limaro Bikurkur kolo eo) and 2) Mother (Jined ilo Kobo) in the arms of a mother is where you find security and comfort, but most importantly it’s the heart of a mama you feel loved and at peace. These roles are very appropriate, they basically mean advocate for peace and justice. Every time I’m here I feel encouraged and inspired to do more. Thank you Gensuikyo and all of you peace loving people.
Kommool tat.