Youth Appeal, August 9th, 2007
Peace Boat Global University and European Youth
At New York

We, young people from across the world, first came together only two weeks ago, at an international protest at the Faslane nuclear submarine base in Scotland. Many of us also visited Sellafield Nuclear Reprocessing Plant where we saw the danger nuclear material poses to people nearby, even when used in a so-called “safe” or “peaceful” capacity. Since then we have been discussing nuclear power, nuclear weapons, nuclear proliferation, and what these all mean for our future.

We have also had opportunities to hear about the horrors of atomic bombs first hand from Hibakusha, the survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. The possibility of another Hiroshima and Nagasaki frightens us. We also realise, however that we are the last generation to be able to learn directly from Hibakusha and it for this reason that we have to act now not to forget and not to repeat the horrific history.

So together, on behalf of youth around the world and the youth of the future, in their and our name, we make this appeal to the people, to the governments and to the world. We cannot accept the existence of any kind of nuclear weapon.

Firstly, it is our great concern that our governments are afraid to educate people about the terrible effects their weapons can have. Furthermore, many people have not had a chance to learn from Hibakusha. We believe that it is not that young people do not care but they do not know about what is happening. It seems impossible to us that anyone, having learned about the pain and suffering of Hibakushas, would be able to accept the continued existence of nuclear weapons.

Therefore we call on each government to educate children and provide opportunities to learn from Hibakusha and from history, allowing them to make up their own minds on issues of importance to the present and future life. We also appeal to the leaders and politicians of all countries to learn from the experiences of Hibakusha and think sincerely about the people and future generations.

Secondly, we do not want our governments to use “our safety” or protection as an excuse to possess nuclear weapons. We do not feel “safe”. The possession, renewal and use of nuclear weapons by any government should never be done in our name. Do not leave this negative legacy to us.

The fact remains that the NPT is not moving forward. There are many existing frameworks which should enable nuclear abolition, yet we feel that there is a great absence of political will.

We ask why political power struggle is prioritised over our lives.

We ask why security is not based on actual human lives

We ask whether anything has been done for nuclear disarmament to really protect us.

We ask who is able to take responsibility for the impact of radiation, a burden placed on future generations. We ask who is able to take responsibility for the damage caused by nuclear materials, waste and possible accidents.

The issues that are presented as complicated are, to us, simple --whether to have a world with nuclear weapons where another tragedy like Hiroshima or Nagasaki is always possible, or to have a world where nuclear disarmament begins and moves on rapidly so that we and our children can live in real safety. We have already made our choice; a world free from nuclear suffering.

So we ask, what can we do?
Alone, we are frightened and often feel helpless. Together we are stronger and are reminded that we can do something. As our international youth network grows we see more hope. We, as representatives of youth all over the world, are here to show our solidarity to those brave leaders and politicians, activists and citizens who are taking every opportunity to push nuclear abolition forwards at many different levels. All of us together can do something to create the world we want. At this moment in history, we see a chance in front of us. Nuclear disarmament in Britain could be an example for the rest of the world and the start of global disarmament. Thus we call on the British government to rethink their decision to renew the Trident missile system and we invite all of you and every government to support this international movement at Faslane to achieve an historical step towards nuclear abolition.

Do not stop imagining the world you dreamed of when you were child. Work on protecting everything you love. We know that nuclear weapons have no place in the world we want. Spread the word about nuclear issues. Tell your family and friends, and people around you how you felt today.

We remember, especially as we work together and meet new people who agree with us, that there is always hope. While we have hope we have the ability to achieve what we hope for: the world safe for everyone, a world without the fear of nuclear weapons.