SUPPORT THE NEW PROCESS FOR NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT!
The abolition of nuclear weapons has been a core aspiration of humanity since their destructive power was unleashed in 1945. For nearly 70 years this aspiration has been blocked, first by superpower rivalry and more recently by political inertia and inadequacies in the multilateral disarmament forums.
Now a new process has been established by the United Nations, an "Open Ended Working Group to Take Forward Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament Negotiations" (OEWG).
The OEWG got off to a flying start in May 2013. Representatives of about 70 countries (including some nuclear-armed countries, nuclear allies and non-nuclear countries) and civil society organisations, engaged in discussions that were interactive, positive and focused on problem-solving rather than point-scoring. Proposals with great potential were put forward.
However, to make this succeed, we need your help! Please act now to publicise this new opportunity and encourage your country to engage.
See our Manual for Campaigners for background and tips for action, and organise a public event to support the new exciting process:
ORGANISE A CREATIVE ‘OPEN THE DOOR’ EVENT
Organize a public event – real or virtual – that will demonstrate support of civil society for the Open Ended Working Group and a nuclear weapons free world. Use the motive of “opening the door to a nuclear weapons free world” to come up with creative ideas for happenings, flash-mobs and other kinds of public expressions.
A simple door displayed in a creative way in the main square of your city or capital can attract attention of the media. Videos and other online depictions of “opening the door to a nuclear weapons free world” can inspire your friends, colleagues and others to join in support.
Organise “Open the door” events during special commemorative dates:
- ICAN Abolition Week (July 6 to 13)
- Hiroshima or Nagasaki Day (August 6 and 9)
- International Day Against Nuclear Tests, August 29
- UN International Day for Peace, Sep 21, or in conjunction with the UN High Level Meeting on Nuclear Disarmament on Sep 26;
Bring in your friends, school mates, colleagues, experts, celebrities, politicians. Inform passers-by and invite the media. Take pictures, shoot videos, share them on social networks and don’t forget to keep us posted so we can report on your event at the concluding meetings of the OEWG for 2013 in mid-August, and at the UN General Assembly in October.
– Download our Manual for Campaigners to get more tips for action! –
