On Monday, Jiro Hamasumi, a representative of Nihon Hidankyo (Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations), delivered a powerful call for the abolition of nuclear weapons at the U.N. headquarters in New York. Speaking on the opening day of the third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, Hamasumi emphasized the devastating impact of nuclear warfare on both the present and future generations.
Hamasumi, 79, who survived the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, stood as a voice for hibakusha, the atomic bomb survivors, highlighting the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons. His words resonated with the deep trauma experienced by atomic bomb victims, underscoring the urgency of global action to prevent the repeat of such a tragedy.
“Atomic bombs are demonic weapons that deprive people of their future and torment their families,” Hamasumi stated. This passionate declaration came from a man whose own life was deeply affected by the horrors of nuclear warfare. Hamasumi’s mother was three months pregnant when she was exposed to the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. As a result, Hamasumi himself was exposed to radiation in the womb, a factor that has shaped much of his advocacy work.
In his speech, Hamasumi drew attention to the often-overlooked impact of nuclear bombs on unborn children. He described how the radiation from atomic bombs can severely disrupt the development of young cells in the womb, resulting in lifelong physical and intellectual challenges.
“The impact of atomic bomb radiation on young cells [in the womb] is immeasurable. There are people [exposed to radiation in the womb] whose physical and intellectual development was delayed,” he explained.
His call for the abolition of nuclear weapons was not just a plea for the present but a warning to future generations. “Inside me, the war has not ended. This is because there are nuclear weapons in the world and nuclear warheads are ready to be fired at any moment,” Hamasumi continued, reflecting the ongoing fears of those who survived the atomic bombings. His words echo the deep emotional and psychological scars that continue to affect hibakusha and their descendants.
As the representative of Nihon Hidankyo, Hamasumi brought global attention to the broader humanitarian implications of nuclear weapons. His advocacy is particularly poignant, given Nihon Hidankyo’s receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize last year, a recognition of its efforts to highlight the devastating consequences of nuclear war.
During his speech, Hamasumi urged member states to take concrete steps toward disarmament, stressing that the world cannot afford to repeat the tragic events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. “We must not repeat the tragedy,” he concluded, emphasizing the need for decisive action to ensure the world never faces such horrors again.
The global community has continued to grapple with the issue of nuclear weapons in the years following the atomic bombings. Despite the enduring threat of nuclear warfare, efforts to achieve disarmament have faced numerous obstacles, with some nations maintaining or even expanding their nuclear arsenals.
Hamasumi’s speech served as a reminder of the catastrophic human toll of nuclear weapons. His personal connection to the suffering caused by the atomic bombings adds a deeply emotional and compelling dimension to his advocacy. By highlighting the ongoing health and social impacts on hibakusha and their descendants, Hamasumi reinforces the moral imperative to eliminate nuclear weapons once and for all.
The meeting at the U.N. provided a platform for further dialogue on nuclear disarmament, with several countries reiterating their commitment to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. However, significant challenges remain in persuading nuclear-armed nations to abandon their arsenals, a task that will require continued diplomacy and pressure from civil society groups like Nihon Hidankyo.
As the world continues to confront the possibility of nuclear war, Hamasumi’s message remains as urgent as ever. With the specter of nuclear weapons still looming over global security, his call for a nuclear-free world serves as both a plea for peace and a solemn reminder of the pain that nuclear warfare causes to individuals and families.
