August, 06 2015, 08:45am EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Greenpeace International Press Desk, pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org, phone: +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours)
Hiroshima Anniversary a Reminder that Peace is the Best Self Defense
Greenpeace Japan commemorates the dropping of the nuclear bomb on Hiroshima 70 years ago today, and warns against the current government's dismantling of Japan's so-called peace constitution and the risks of nuclear power.
"The trauma felt by Japanese people after the Fukushima accident - and also by thousands of people affected by other nuclear disasters, such as Chernobyl - should never again be endured, which is why we firmly believe that peace - not war - is the best form of self defence," said Junichi Sato, Greenpeace Japan Executive Director.
WASHINGTON
Greenpeace Japan commemorates the dropping of the nuclear bomb on Hiroshima 70 years ago today, and warns against the current government's dismantling of Japan's so-called peace constitution and the risks of nuclear power.
"The trauma felt by Japanese people after the Fukushima accident - and also by thousands of people affected by other nuclear disasters, such as Chernobyl - should never again be endured, which is why we firmly believe that peace - not war - is the best form of self defence," said Junichi Sato, Greenpeace Japan Executive Director.
"But sadly, we are seeing this tradition in Japan being reoded by the Abe government as it begins to dismantle the so-called peace constitution and doggedly pursue nuclear power at the expence of clean, safe renewables."
Drafted by occupying U.S. officials in 1946, the constitution renounced the right to wage war or maintain armed forces and enshrined democracy and human rights. A bill passed through the Lower House on July this year, and the Upper House has already begun discussions on legislation which could roll back some of the provisions in the constitution allowing the country to participate in the wars of allied nations.
"The horror of these bombings should be taken as a warning of the threats of nuclear weapons, but instead, the government is locking Japan into a nuclear future. Whether for military or civil purposes, nuclear energy is never peaceful. It carries the threat of nuclear weapons development, and as the 2011 Fukushima disaster demonstrated to the world, nuclear energy is neither safe, nor clean," said Junichi.
Greenpeace Japan revealed last month that radiation in one of the most contaminated districts is still so widespread and at such a high level that those who were evacuated cannot return home safely, despite decontamination efforts. The people of Fukushima are continuing to pay the price for Abe's fixation on nuclear power. Greenpeace Japan urges the government halt all nuclear restarts in the country.
Greenpeace is a global, independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future.
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