Handing over of signatures in support of the “Appeal of the Hibakusha” for the elimination of nuclear weapons

On 6 October, H.E. Mr. Sabri Boukadoum, Chair of the First Committee, 71st session of the UN General Assembly met with Mr. Toshiki Fujimori, Deputy Secretary-General of Nihon Hidankyo (Japan Confederation of A-and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations) to receive 564,240 signatures in support of the “Appeal of the Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors).” The Appeal expressed the earnest desire for the elimination of nuclear weapons and called for the conclusion of a treaty to ban and eliminate them.

Ambassador Boukadoum, on behalf of the members of the First Committee, offered his sincere thanks and the thanks of the international community for continued quest to rid the world of nuclear weapons by the Hibakusha.

He cited the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s recent quote that the Hibakusha have “transformed their tragedy into a message of hope”. He also recognised their commitment and contribution to the elimination of nuclear weapons. Ambassador Boukadoum said, “the hundreds of thousands of signatures you have collected are testament to the ability of the Hibakusha to appeal to human morality and social responsibility.”

Mr. Fujimori thanked the Chair for his hard work and dedication and wished a fruitful outcome in the work of the First Committee.