On the 78th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, campaigners around the world called for the abolition of nuclear weapons. In a statement, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) said that the world is “living under the shadow of nuclear annihilation” and that “the only way to ensure our survival is to eliminate these weapons once and for all.”

Hiroshima, shortly after a nuclear bomb was dropped on this city in August 1945.

Hiroshima Mayor Calls for End to Nuclear Deterrence

The statement was echoed by peace activists in Hiroshima, who gathered at the Peace Memorial Park to commemorate the victims of the bombing. In a speech, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui called for an end to nuclear deterrence, branding it as a “folly” that threatens global security.

“The hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) have shown us the harrowing consequences of nuclear weapons,” Matsui said. “We must recognize that nuclear deterrence is not a pathway to peace; it is a dangerous gamble that risks our very existence.”

World Nuclear Threat Growing, ICAN Warns

The call for nuclear disarmament comes as the world is facing a growing nuclear threat. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of nuclear weapons development. With countries like North Korea and Iran developing new nuclear capabilities. The war in Ukraine has also raised the risk of nuclear use, with Russia threatening to use nuclear weapons against NATO countries.

The ICAN statement warned that “the world is on a dangerous path” and that “we must act now to prevent nuclear catastrophe.” The group called on all countries to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which adopted by the United Nations in 2017.

The treaty is the first international legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons. However, it has not yet been ratified by any of the nuclear-armed states.

Campaigners Determined to End Nuclear Weapons

The call for nuclear disarmament is gaining momentum, but it faces a number of challenges. The nuclear-armed states are reluctant to give up their weapons. And there is a lack of political will to take action. However, the campaigners determined to continue their fight, and they believe that the world can rid of nuclear weapons.

“We will not give up until nuclear weapons eliminated,” the ICAN statement said. “We are the generation that will end nuclear weapons.”

The 78th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing is a time to remember the victims of the bombing. And to recommit to the fight for nuclear disarmament. It is a time to say “never again” to nuclear weapons. And to work towards a world where everyone is safe from nuclear annihilation.