Renewing Nagasaki’s Citizen Diplomacy

ABSTRACT

For three quarters of a century, the hibakusha (survivors of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima and Nagasaki) have stood firm in their quest to save humanity from nuclear annihilation. Through their voice and action, the people of Nagasaki City have demonstrated the strength of citizen diplomacy. The voice of Nagasaki can be heard everywhere – strong in its call that Nagasaki must remain the last place to suffer an atomic bombing. Most significantly, the hibakusha’s compelling testimonies brought the world the historic Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in 2017. Despite this prohibition, the goal of a nuclear free world seems more elusive than ever, and the nuclear sceptre looms large. Today, the world faces a heightened risk of nuclear weapons use amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. What should we do in this time of danger and opportunity? In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of its founding, the Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition, Nagasaki University and the Nagasaki Council for Nuclear Weapons Abolition organised a special public lecture on 29th October 2022, to examine current challenges in the path toward a nuclear weapons-free world and to re-evaluate the roles that the A-Bombed city should play in advancing this goal. This article, adapted from the public lecture, reaffirms the vital role that Nagasaki must continue to play through a renewal of its citizen diplomacy. It highlights lessons from the TPNW negotiations and the opportunities that its adoption has created for Nagasaki to strengthen and expand its citizen diplomacy.

KEYWORDS:

• Nagasaki
• hibakusha
• citizen diplomacy
• TPNW
• nuclear weapons
• atomic bombing

Introduction

“Can You Hear the Voices from Every Nation?”

Can you hear the voices from every nation? Can you hear them calling for peace? Don’t make any more of us hibakusha. No-one in the world should suffer this again.

These words from the A-bomb Survivors’ Chorus “Never Again”, were powerfully sung by the Hima-wari choir for the last time this past August at Nagasaki’s Peace Ceremony. But their enduring message will continue to unite us in the common desire for a world free of nuclear weapons.

As I reflect on the words of the Chorus, I must say what a privilege it is to be here in Nagasaki City – a place of hope – especially in this time of global instability. Your compelling story of unimaginable humanitarian catastrophe and your affirmative message for lasting peace have been a source of inspiration both here in Japan and around the world. The voice of your city is heard everywhere.

Indeed, Nagasaki’s active citizen diplomacy has been rooted in the firm commitment to pursuing a world free of nuclear weapons and a culture of peace. On this occasion, I pay tribute to the resilient spirit and compassionate voice of the people of Nagasaki and how you have inspired global efforts to rid us of these weapons of mass destruction.

Just this morning, I had the opportunity to observe the City’s peace activities at your Peace March. It was wonderful to listen to Mayor Taue’s speech and I was moved by the instrumental performances of the children from local schools as they played the famous song “We are the world”.

I feel truly honoured and humbled to have been invited to speak at this auspicious event in Nagasaki – Japan’s historic gateway to the world. As a citizen and representative from the Global South, I welcome this opportunity to share my reflections with you today, as we look at “new challenges for a world free of nuclear weapons”, and the important question of what role this A-bombed city should play.

I believe that by joining together our voices and our efforts, we can move the world closer to our shared goal of eliminating nuclear weapons and so forever lift the threat of their use.

How Jamaica Found & Used Its Voice: Jamaica and Nuclear Weapons Abolition

Today, in looking at the current challenges to realizing a nuclear weapons free world, I would like to focus my talk on the topic of Renewing Nagasaki’s Citizen Diplomacy. As I do so, I am reminded of the question from the A-Bomb Survivors’ Chorus, “Can you hear the voices from every nation?” So, let me first share with you the voice from Jamaica, my country, and what we have to say about nuclear weapons.

Perhaps some of you may be asking what does a small island developing state like Jamaica have to do with nuclear disarmament? You are quite right in asking this question! After all, Jamaica is known in Japan and around the world as an island paradise; for reggae music; the Cool Runnings bobsleigh team; and, of course, for our great sprinters such as Usain Bolt.

Yes, Jamaica is that and more. In fact, during the Cold War, our reggae musicians, Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, were warning of the dangers of a nuclear war and calling for world peace.

As a constructive member of the international community, we play an active role in global affairs, including on matters of peace, security, and development. In this vein, along with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean region, Jamaica has been a strong advocate for a world free of nuclear weapons.

Those who are aware of Jamaica’s location in the Caribbean region right next to Cuba may say there is a historical connection – as the threat of use of nuclear weapons, like the situation in Ukraine today, was on Jamaica’s doorstep 60 years ago during the dark days of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962; the very year we gained our Independence from Great Britain.

Against the alarming backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Jamaica, as a newly independent country with responsibility for its foreign policy, was assertive in calling attention to the horrors of a nuclear war and questioned the logic of the uneasy balance of terror between the opposing nuclear weapon states.

In fact, in our maiden policy statement to the United Nations General Assembly in 1962, our then Foreign Minister, the Hon. Hugh Shearer, said, “We cannot banish the thought that someday some madman – for it would take a madman to release the terrors of nuclear war even upon his most hated enemies – might press that fatal button and unleash the catastrophe of nuclear war upon us” (Shearer 1962).

The following year, in highlighting the gravity of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Jamaica raised its voice at the 18th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and called for Latin America and the Caribbean region to be kept free of nuclear weapons.

As Foreign Minister Shearer said, “the experience of those days reinforces the desire of Jamaica’s people to keep the whole Caribbean area free from nuclear arms … indeed, we should wish to see all of Latin America so kept free” (Shearer 1963). He did not stop there, adding, “We would wish to see as large part of the globe as possible be kept free from these dangerous weapons”.

Today, I am therefore proud that since 1969 Jamaica has been a state party to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean. This pioneering treaty gave rise to the first nuclear-weapon-free-zone in a densely populated area.

We are also state party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the recent Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), as well as other relevant disarmament and non-proliferation instruments. Let me emphasize that Jamaica’s voice is joined with yours in calling for a world free of nuclear weapons.

How I Found “My voice”: My Nagasaki Story

Beyond my country’s commitment to the cause of nuclear weapon abolition, let me share with you how Nagasaki helped me to find my voice on nuclear disarmament. I have the honour of addressing you today because, as Kokoro Nishiyama, the Grand Prize winner of RECNA’s first essay contest on “Nuclear-Free Future” said, “War and nuclear weapons are my business” (Nishiyama 2022). And like her, Nagasaki helped in making it my business. Why is this so?

In 2005, I was privileged to get accepted into the United Nations Disarmament Fellowship Programme. Thanks to this Fellowship, I had the unique opportunity to visit Nagasaki and Hiroshima, along with 29 other junior diplomats.¹ This was a defining moment in my career.

During our study visit, my colleagues and I were exposed first-hand to Nagasaki’s story of profound tragedy through our visits to the A-bomb Museum, the Peace Park, and other memorial sites. We heard the heart-wrenching and courageous testimony of the hibakusha. I was especially moved by our meeting with a survivor and medical doctor, Dr. Masao Tomonaga, who is here with us today, as well as our visit to the Hill of Grace Atomic Bomb Home for the Elderly.

The unforgettable experience of seeing with my own eyes the realities of the atomic bombing and experiencing the memories, voices, and prayers of Nagasaki and Hiroshima broadened my awareness and deepened my understanding of the hibakusha’s warning “Never again”. As I departed Japan, I took the hibakusha’s appeal with me; promising myself that going forward I would support the cause of nuclear weapon abolition in my work.

I kept that promise. My assignment as the Deputy Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations in 2012 presented me with the ideal opportunity to translate the hibakusha’s appeal into action. In 2013, I therefore became actively involved with the emerging initiative on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons.

My involvement was underpinned by the advocacy work of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), and in particular, its Latin America and Caribbean campaigners. Later, I was part of the negotiations of the historic Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Jamaica was one of the first countries to host, in collaboration with ICAN, a regional roundtable on the question of how to address the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons, while exploring the prospects for a treaty banning these weapons.

I am proud that my country’s active role in the TPNW process was partly rooted in my promise to the hibakusha. Today, my heart is overflowing with emotions as I stand here in this A-bomb Museum 17 years after my study visit to Nagasaki. I must confess that I never imagined that I would return one day as Ambassador to Japan and have this great privilege of being here today. In many ways, I have come full circle.

How Nuclear Disarmament Found a New Voice: Lessons & Opportunities from the TPNW

With the entry into force of Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons on 22 January 2021, nuclear weapons are explicitly and comprehensively prohibited by international law. Thanks to this non-discriminatory instrument, we have taken a realistic a step towards a world without nuclear weapons.

The TPNW has immense transformational power and provides a progressive pathway to the total elimination of nuclear weapons. This treaty offers lessons and opportunities for the renewal of Nagasaki’s citizen diplomacy and reaffirming the role of this A-bomb city. I will highlight three areas:

#1: The Power to Change

The first lesson is about the power to change – to challenge the status quo and find new ways of making progress. The story of banning these weapons is, ultimately, one of resistance and of movement building. It is a story of activists from around the world working with diplomats in nuclear weapon-free countries to say “enough is enough” to the nuclear-armed governments.

In doing so, we challenged the dominant nuclear weapon discourse and sought a paradigm shift from abstract but deadly theories like nuclear deterrence, towards an evidence-based, human-centred approach to nuclear weapons.

As you know, it took courage for the majority of governments to stand up to the power wielded by a handful of heavily militarized countries having enormous economic and political influence. This majority included the small-island states of the English-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM),² who, despite the constraint of size and the concomitant challenges were outspoken and active players throughout the TPNW negotiating process.³

This movement did not just reject what the nuclear-armed states were offering. It consciously, creatively, and collectively sought to build something new – to generate and promote ideas, arguments, and frameworks that would disrupt mainstream myths and narratives.

The TPNW demonstrated that citizen diplomacy does not necessarily mean public action in opposition to or in isolation from national governments. As the negotiations showed, sympathetic national governments can tap the energy, creativity, and intellectual power of civil society in the pursuit of goals that some governments consider quixotic.

I want to especially highlight that the TPNW is an excellent example of how to make progress when traditional ways of conducting business are largely unproductive and require the infusion of new thinking. With two decades of inaction in the multilateral disarmament machinery, it was clear that what we needed was not just new international law on nuclear weapons but a new way of doing things, a new way of thinking, and new voices.

So, despite the investments, risks, and threats associated with nuclear weapons, the nuclear ban treaty – and the campaign to achieve it – gives a glimpse of what is possible in this world. Resistance may take time to have an effect, but it makes a difference – simply put, together we are not powerless!

#2: Diversity of Participation and Perspectives

The humanitarian approach to disarmament embodied in the TPNW has put people at the centre of the action on nuclear disarmament. This approach has brought diversity and inclusion to disarmament politics. The international community of States, be they large or small, developed or developing, nuclear-armed or non-nuclear armed States, have an opportunity to pursue a new and progressive approach together with civil society.

The humanitarian approach does this by placing our concerns about the lives and well-being of people and the planet, and the security considerations of nuclear-armed states, on equal footing. The principles of equality and justice are at the core of this new approach.

I must emphasize that the adoption of the TPNW has proven that the non-nuclear armed States, like Jamaica, have a say in nuclear disarmament issues. Our voice matters. We have agency – thus giving rise to another fundamental element of democracy i.e. inclusiveness.

In essence, we achieved the TPNW by prioritizing the voices of those usually not treated as credible or relevant in this field. Through the process to ban nuclear weapons, those who have suffered from nuclear weapons use or testing, and those campaigning for disarmament, have been empowered.

Our continued work to abolish nuclear weapons requires further shifts in participation and perspectives. We must redouble efforts to deconstruct and dismantle the disarmament taboo and open up to holistic perspectives, including the voices of women and the youth.

These perspectives are fully integrated into the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – the SDGs to which people, planet, peace, and security are inextricably linked. Hiroshima’s recent initiative to push for the inclusion of nuclear weapons in the post-2030 development agenda is a step in the right direction and one to which my country has already lend its support.

An important opportunity in having diverse perspectives is that it opens up a space for us to seriously question the concept of security – what it is, who it is for, who gets to shape it. This conversation is ongoing and essential and Nagasaki’s citizen diplomacy, with its focus on human security, can make a meaningful contribution to this debate.

#3: Gender Perspectives

Another important lesson and opportunity from the TPNW, and one which is dear to my heart, is the inclusion of gender perspectives and enhancement of women’s participation in the nuclear disarmament process. I am pleased at the inclusion of a strong gender perspective in the TPNW.

The Treaty commits to supporting effective participation of both women and men as an essential factor for the promotion and attainment of sustainable peace and security. It also supports and strengthens the effective participation of women in nuclear disarmament. Women must be at the table.

I am truly delighted that an outstanding woman diplomat from my region, Ambassador Elayne Whyte Gomez of Costa Rica, skilfully chaired the historic negotiations of the TPNW.

A gender perspective questions the ways in which war and weapons are coded with gender norms and stereotypes.⁴ The framing of war and violence as “strong” and “masculine” is often coupled with a framing of peace and disarmament as “weak” and “feminine”; naive and emotional.

In nuclear weapons discourse, for example, proponents of nuclear weapons seek to use the logic of rationalism and power to defend their possession of these weapons whilst seeking to “feminise” opponents of nuclear weapons by claiming they are emotional and irrational in wanting to prohibit these weapons.

Changing these norms can be aided by including a gender perspective in our work, which helps to unpack why these weapons exists and who benefits.

There is also the need for increased efforts to address the underrepresentation of women and other marginalized people in fora and processes dealing with disarmament and weapons issues, including in the leadership of citizen diplomacy and peace movements. The time is ripe for us to move away from seeing disarmament and non-proliferation largely as men’s “political business”. We need the voices of women at the table.

A final point is that gender perspectives can also play an important role in spotlighting the roots of nuclear doctrines to further challenge the patriarchal, racist, and colonial cover upholding nuclear weapons. This will help us to undermine justifications and rationales for these weapons, exposing their roots in a world order that privileges a few over many.

Strengthening Our Voice to Meet “Current Challenges”

Sadly, as we gather here today, despite the prohibition treaty and what we know about the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war, the goal of a nuclear free world seems more elusive than ever and the nuclear spectre looms large.

The current security environment, as you know, is increasingly tense, volatile, unpredictable and complex. Tensions between nuclear-armed states have reached a new peak in an even more complex and fragile environment than during the Cold War.

In fact, the world faces a heightened risk of nuclear weapons use, amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and its nuclear sabre rattling. And in the wake of these threats, we are hearing irresponsible talk about the use of tactical nuclear weapons, as if this would somehow “not be so bad”. These ideas are normalizing the use of nuclear weapons and eroding the taboo against their use.

Another serious challenge we face is the doubling down on the archaic and unethical theory of nuclear deterrence. This trend is dangerous and imposes new pressure on the present non-proliferation regime. And, in this region, North Korea’s intensified ballistic and nuclear development programme is deeply concerning.

Alongside the pressures on the non-proliferation regime, nuclear arsenals are being modernized at enormous expense with new types of nuclear weapons being developed making them easier to use. It is not an exaggeration to say that we are currently in a new nuclear arms race with no restraints.

But what of the response by the global disarmament machinery? As you are all aware, nuclear-armed states have refused to implement their disarmament obligations and commitments freely undertaken.

Instead, these states continue to wilfully champion a status quo of indefinite possession which “they” deem to be in the interest of security and stability. I believe the South African delegation at this year’s NPT Review Conference said it best: “The failure of this Review Conference, following the failure in 2015, is a stark reminder of the lengths that nuclear-armed states are willing to go to continue to possess nuclear weapons” (Acheson 2022).

But it is not just nuclear-armed states that are the problem.

As Dr. Masao Tomonaga had conveyed at the First Meeting of State Parties to the TPNW: “We Hibakusha were disappointed” because not only nuclear governments but also their allies have not signed the TPNW (Tomonaga 2022). One of those non-signatories is Japan, which, despite being the only country to have been attacked with atomic bombs, is under the so-called nuclear umbrella of the United States. Before all hibakusha are gone, the world needs to overcome this sad contradiction and huge obstacle to realize a nuclear-free world.

However, this is not the time to despair. Urgent action is needed now more than ever. As Mayor Taue, reminded us in this year`s Nagasaki Peace Declaration, “Our strength may be modest, but we are not powerless”.

What Can Nagasaki Say?: Renewal of Citizen Diplomacy

How can this A-bomb city use its voice and “power to change” in the face of the current challenges? I offer a few points for consideration:

#1. Nagasaki can use its extensive citizen’s network to continue to call on all states that have not yet done so, including the Japanese government, to accede to the TPNW. Nagasaki city could also invite elected representatives and youth from other Japanese cities to meet with those from the many signatories of the ICAN Cities Appeal to develop a common voice (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons n.d.). Only two Japanese cities have signed this appeal so far, which is a global call from cities and towns in support of the TPNW.

#2. Another important role this A-bomb city should play is supporting the implementation of the TPNW provisions on victim assistance and environmental remediation. Nagasaki could also provide leadership, through the PCU-NC, in the development of a global network of nuclear affected areas and communities around the word. This should include inviting victims, elected officials and civil society from these affected areas to this city to promote an understanding of nuclear harm.

#3. Nagasaki’s citizen diplomacy should enhance gender considerations as called for the action plan of first meeting of states parties to the TPNW. These should be taken into account across the city’s policies, programmes, projects, and representation　(especially representation, with women leaders in the forefront). A gender focal point could be established in the framework of the PCU-NC.

#5. This brings me to the important issue of peace and disarmament education and youth empowerment. Education can give us all a voice in these matters and help to change the complacency and ignorance about nuclear dangers today.

This A-bomb city, which has placed great emphasis on and resources in disarmament education, should look at new approaches to communicate the experience of Nagasaki: not only to share the facts, but to also stimulate a deeper thinking about the current state of nuclear issues. A participatory-style for nuclear disarmament education linked to peace education is one such approach. This allows ordinary people to find a connection between the issue and their own lives.

Finally, let me address the critical issue of youth empowerment. I believe that an inter-generational model, one which amplifies the voice of the youth, is the best approach to securing our future and one without nuclear weapons. As the Nagasaki Youth Delegation demonstrates, young people around the world have a critical role to play in raising awareness and developing new strategies to reduce threats from nuclear weapons. This requires that young people learn the language, acquire knowledge and tools needed to advocate for peace in their communities and the wider world.

Ensuring access to educational resources as well as focusing on the intersection between nuclear issues, social justice, and climate change can help to increase their participation. RECNA and the PCU-NC, for example, could produce educational material for schools and colleges in ICAN Cities Appeal signatories.

Study visits are an effective tool for knowledge-building and boosting motivation. As beneficiary of a study visit here in 2005, I believe Nagasaki should seek to increase opportunities for study visits by young people from nuclear-armed states and especially from the Global South. This will help to create a network of young voices across the globe. Prime Minister Kishida’s recent announcement to set up a UN Fund to facilitate study visits by young people from around the world is certainly a timely step (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 2022).

In the effort to educate a new generation, Japan and the world can draw on Nagasaki and amplify the voices of survivors, women, and youth. To borrow again from the personal mission of Kokoro Nishiyama:

I want to change the reality and create a future in which humans do not exist with the threat of nuclear weapons. This aspiration is a dream that I will continue to carry forward. This aspiration began in a place of prayer and peace, where the reality of the atomic bombings has been passed down from generation to generation. My future, which began in Nagasaki, does not need nuclear weapons (Nishiyama 2022).

We all have the power to embrace this mission: - “Our voice matters. We have agency”.

* This is the special lecture to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Research Center for Nuclear Weapons Abolition (RECNA), Nagasaki University and the PCU Nagasaki Council for Nuclear Weapons Abolition (PCU-NC). It was delivered in Nagasaki City on 29th October 2022.

Acknowledgments

I congratulate the organisers of the special lecture – RECNA and the PUC-NC on the celebration of their tenth anniversary, and for organising such a timely and important public lecture. I must applaud these two institutions for their tireless work over the past ten years to open a new path towards nuclear weapons abolition.

I also salute Nagasaki Governor Kengo Oishi, Nagasaki City’s Mayor Tomihisa Taue, and University of Nagasaki’s President Dr. Shigeru Kono for their bold and visionary leadership of Nagasaki’s noble mission to achieve a nuclear weapon free world. I must, in particular, commend Mayor Taue for his long-standing advocacy, carrying the message from Nagasaki across the globe.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

¹ The author, in an article that reflects on the impact of the United Nations Programme of Fellowship on Disarmament on her career, highlights the role of the study visits to Nagasaki and Hiroshima in 2005. See Richards (2021).

² CARICOM comprises the following 15 member states: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat (a British overseas territory in the Leeward Islands), Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Montserrat however is an internally self-governing British Overseas Territory and therefore not recognized as an independent state by the United Nations.

³ For the role played by CARICOM Small Island Developing States, see Richards (2022).

⁴ Reaching Critical Will of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom has undertaken work on gender perspective on how war and weapons are coded with gender norms and stereotypes. See Reaching Critical Will (n.d.).