ICRC launches global campaign against nuclear risks

Kathmandu, Feb. 11: To stem the rising tide of nuclear risks in world politics, the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the wider International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have launched a global video campaign on Monday.

The video campaign aims to draw further attention of the public to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of a nuclear war, and ultimately encourage people to urge their governments to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. 

“Any risk of nuclear weapons use is unacceptable. The Treaty represents a beacon of hope and an essential measure to reduce the risk of a nuclear catastrophe,” said ICRC President Peter Maurer.

Seventy countries have so far signed the TPNW, while 21 have ratified or otherwise acceded to the Treaty.

“Citizens, parliaments and civil society all have a crucial role to play in efforts to reduce the risk of nuclear weapons use. At this moment of growing international tension, I call on everyone to act with urgency and determination to bring the era of nuclear weapons to an end,” said Mr. Maurer.  

Nuclear weapons are the most devastating and destructive weapons ever invented. The Japanese Red Cross and the ICRC witnessed this first-hand in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, as they tried to bring relief to the dying and injured.

 “In many countries, Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies are working with governments, national parliaments and civil society to facilitate rapid accession to the Treaty. We will continue working with our network to advocate for a world without nuclear weapons," said IFRC President Francesco Rocca.

"Nothing could prepare the world for the horrors of a nuclear war. After 74 years, we still haven’t learnt the lesson of suffering, devastation and death of Hiroshima and Nagasaki,” said Rocca.

The ICRC said that it was deeply concerned about a worrying erosion of the nuclear disarmament and arms control framework.

"Recent decisions contribute to a worrying trend toward a new nuclear arms race and, consequently, an increased risk of nuclear weapons use. The ICRC calls on concerned States and those in a position to influence them to reverse this distressing trend," it said.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 February 2019.