Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day 2025: A call for justice & collaboration
27/02/2025
The 1st of March is a significant date for the Marshall Islands, as it marks the anniversary of the Castle Bravo nuclear test conducted by the United States at Bikini Atoll in 1954. This was the most powerful nuclear bomb ever tested by the U.S., with an explosion 1,000 times stronger than the Hiroshima bomb, causing displacement, radiation-related illnesses, and environmental devastation.
Each year, the Marshall Islands observe Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day on 1 March, honouring those affected by the nuclear testing programme that took place between 1946 and 1958 (download the flyer).
On 28 February 2025, the Permanent Mission of the Marshall Islands in Geneva, the World Council of Churches, and the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation organised a special commemoration at Maison de la Paix (DCAF) in Geneva. The solemn gathering brought together ambassadors, other Permanent Mission representatives, UN agencies and NGOs of International Geneva for a powerful moment of reflection and commitment, to honour survivors and call for justice, recognition, and disarmament.
We were honoured to welcome the Honourable Kalani Kaneko, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, who emphasised the need for collective action: “True justice has to be a collective effort. I call on the UN and all Permanent Missions to assist the Marshallese in the pursuit of nuclear justice.”
Peter Prove, Director of the CCIA at the World Council of Churches, praised the leadership of the Marshall Islands government in healing past wounds through accountability and justice.
Ambassador Doreen Debrum of the Permanent Mission of the Marshall Islands in Geneva highlighted the crucial role of youth, welcoming collaboration and celebrating a traditional Pacific dance performed by ten children and young people.
True justice has to be a collective effort.
Hon. Kalani Kaneko, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Republic of the Marshall Islands
As Ignacio Packer, Executive Director of Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation, reminded us in his welcoming words:
“Today, as we honour the victims and survivors of the nuclear weapons tests conducted in the Marshall Islands, we are reminded of the devastating consequences when trust is broken, when power overshadows responsibility, and when collaboration fails. The theme of this year’s remembrance, Ain Bartak Ju Ae Maroñroñ—unite and work collaboratively— is not just a call for today but a guiding principle for how we must move forward: by creating inclusive and safe spaces where people from all walks of life can come together, share their experience, learn from each other and work collaboratively on sustainable solutions for the future. May this commemoration not only serve as a tribute to those who have suffered but also as an urgent call to action. Let us redouble our efforts to build a world where trust prevails over division, where dialogue leads to understanding, and where peace is not just an aspiration but a reality."
Let us redouble our efforts to build a world where trust prevails over division, where dialogue leads to understanding, and where peace is not just an aspiration but a reality.
Ignacio Packer, Executive Director, Caux Initiatives of Change
"Unite and work collaboratively" - The conversation continues
In the currenct global context, it is more crucial than ever to keep the conversations for peace, collaboration and dialogue going.
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