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PublicationConference Call: KOREAN ATOMIC BOMB VICTIMS SEEK JUSTICE - AND THE OUTLAWING OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS - THROUGH THE PEOPLE'S TRIBUNAL

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

5:00 - 6:00 pm PT


Conference Call: KOREAN ATOMIC BOMB VICTIMS SEEK JUSTICE
- AND THE OUTLAWING OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS - THROUGH THE PEOPLE'S TRIBUNAL


Participants of the online conference


On January 15, the Conference Call was held to introduce the International People's Tribunal and appeal for the participation of peace activists. This event was organized jointly by the Korea Peace Now! Grassroots Network and the WILPF Jane Adams Branch.


Youth member Clara from SPARK (Solidarity for Peace and Reunification of Korea), as well as Joseph Essertier and Elliott Adams, members of the International Organizing Committee of the People's Tribunal, participated as speakers. Around 30 participants expressed strong interest, engaging in a detailed discussion on ways to support the initiative.


First, a video was shown depicting the struggle of Korean atomic bomb victims, emphasizing their connection to the ongoing People's Tribunal.


Conference participants watching the video together


Joseph Essertier, who works with the Japan branch of World Beyond War, stressed the importance of the People's Tribunal. He stated, "The People's Tribunal is a fantastic opportunity to hold accountable those responsible for what is arguably the most unforgivable war crime in history—the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It also provides an opportunity for the U.S. to apologize to the Korean atomic bomb victims." He further explained that this tribunal aims not only to restore historical justice but also "to establish the illegality of the U.S. atomic bombings in 1945. This would lay a foundation for condemning all nuclear threats and uses as illegal today, overcome the nuclear deterrence theory that justifies nuclear weapons use and threats by nuclear-armed states, and contribute to the realization of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and a nuclear-free world."


Joseph Essertier, a member of the International Organizing Committee


In particular, Joseph highlighted the significance of Korean atomic bomb victims participating as plaintiffs in the tribunal, stating, "Korean atomic bomb victims are victims of both Japanese colonialism and the U.S. atomic bombings, as well as the Cold War. It is hard to find a more powerful example of living symbols of peace than them." He also mentioned recent advancements, such as the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) referencing Korean victims in their Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, and NHK airing a program titled The Story of Korean Atomic Bomb Victims. He added that "progress is being made in raising awareness about the victims' situation." He called on participants to join the movement for the restoration of justice for Korean atomic bomb victims and the realization of a nuclear-free world through the People's Tribunal.


Clara, a youth member of SPARK, emphasized the current relevance of the People's Tribunal by introducing statements from the victims participating as plaintiffs and from former Hiroshima Mayor and co-chair of the tribunal, Takashi Hiraoka.


Clara, a youth member of SPARK, giving a presentation


"Before I die, I feel it is my duty to make people aware of the dangers of nuclear weapons on Earth. The first step towards this goal is to secure an apology from the United States, a country that has never acknowledged its responsibility for dropping atomic bombs," said Mr. Shim Jin Tae, a first-generation Korean atomic bomb victim.


"If the US admits and apologizes for the responsibilities of the atomic bombings in 1945, no country will ever consider using nuclear weapons," said Mr. Lee Kee Youl, a first-generation Korean atomic bomb victim.


"The US has long justified the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. If we do not hold the US accountable for these actions, the abolition of nuclear weapons will never advance. In essence, if the bombings are seen as justified, we cannot condemn any future use of nuclear weapons by other countries. So, I’ve always believed that the US must be held accountable for dropping the bombs. I hope this IPT will create a new vision of a nuclear-free world," said Takashi Hiraoka, former Mayor of Hiroshima.


Clara also mentioned U.S. attempts to use nuclear weapons during the Korean War, the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, the provision of nuclear umbrellas and extended deterrence, as well as the recent U.S.-South Korea "nuclear alliance" declaration and the revision of U.S. "Nuclear Weapons Employment Guidance." She explained that these developments "underscore the risk that tensions and conflicts on the Korean Peninsula could escalate into regional wars, with the potential to trigger a nuclear conflict at both regional and global levels."


Clara, a youth member of SPARK, during her presentation


Clara emphasized, "The People's Tribunal offers more than a platform to confront the atrocities of the past; it creates a pathway for lasting peace. For the Korean Peninsula, a region teetering on the edge of nuclear conflict, the stakes could not be higher."


Finally, Clara called on participants to continue their attention, support, and solidarity, stating, "The success of this Tribunal depends on the active engagement and support from those who are committed to denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula and the creation of a world free of nuclear weapons."


Elliott Adams, former president of the U.S. Veterans for Peace, stated, "The People's Tribunal is important to all Americans and indeed, to all people of the world." He emphasized, "The message of the tribunal is that the A-bombs were illegal in 1945 and they remain illegal today."


Elliott Adams, a member of the International Organizing Committee


Elliott also referenced recent studies on nuclear winter triggered by nuclear exchanges between nuclear-armed countries, stating, "Today, we are closer to a nuclear holocaust than ever before."


He continued, "Many people are realizing that nuclear deterrence strategies do not work, and while the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) has been adopted, this alone is not enough. By educating and motivating the public about the People's Tribunal, we will make ourselves more effective and safer."


Following the presentations, participants responded enthusiastically. One participant remarked, "I have realized how the People's Tribunal is connected to the current situation on the Korean Peninsula," while another stated, "The People's Tribunal is indeed a timely topic," and added, "We can talk about how we can better support the IPT and do more education sessions in this issue."


We would like to once again express our gratitude to the Korea Peace Now! Grassroots Network and the WILPF Jane Adams Branch for organizing this conference.