In line with our Peace Testimony Quakers Australia has signed the Joint Interfaith Statement to the Third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. See the below excerpt:
“As people of faith representing diverse traditions, united in our common belief in the sanctity of life and the pursuit of justice, peace, and human dignity, we commend the States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) for your historic commitment and leadership in working toward a world without nuclear weapons. Each signature and ratification affirming this Treaty is an act of courage and beacon of hope, and we applaud you.
At this third meeting of States Parties, we find ourselves yet again at a critical juncture, with ever-rising global tensions, humanitarian crises in many regions of the world, worsening impacts of climate change, and heightened threat of the use of nuclear weapons. In our continuous struggle against such existential threats, abolishing nuclear weapons cannot be a distant goal; it is a requirement for our collective survival.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the horrific atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We solemnly remember and honor all hibakusha, who have suffered the unimaginable pain as a result of such inhumane weapons. We celebrate Nihon Hidankyo for receiving the latest Nobel Peace Prize, and for their unending leadership and courage in ushering in a world without nuclear weapons. Building upon the heightened global awareness of the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons, we must seize this opportunity and momentum to create tangible progress toward nuclear disarmament…”