Statement welcoming the ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

Religions for Peace（RfP）Japan warmly welcomes the fact that 50 countries have ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, thereby the requirements for its entry into force have been met on October 25, 2020 (JST).

The hibakusha in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as all those who have suffered in the tests and developments of nuclear weapons around the world, have led the way in their indescribable efforts to appeal the necessity of the treaty, based on the belief of “No more Hibakusha.” Many people in Japan and abroad have taken that belief seriously and joined them in asking for support for the treaty from friends, acquaintances, and people in the streets. The enactment of the requirements for entry into force is a testament to the diligent efforts of all those who want to see nuclear weapons abolished, and RfP Japan wishes to share the joy of this historic achievement.

Needless to say, nuclear weapons are catastrophic weapons which are "must not" and "cannot” be used. Nuclear weapons are an absolute evil in their very existence and must be abolished without a moment's delay.

Since its foundation in 1970, RfP, formerly known as WCRP, has been promoting religious cooperation for peace by bringing together religious leaders from around the world, regardless of their religious differences, to work on solutions to global issues which create obstacles to peace. As the religious leaders of the nation that experienced unprecedented suffering from the war in human history, the Japan Committee in particular has been paying great efforts to the activities to abolish nuclear weapons.

The 50 countries' ratification of the Treaty is a great step toward a "world without nuclear weapons" and will give great courage to those who are working for the realization of such a world.

On this significant opportunity, RfP Japan reiterates the following requests to the Japanese government with the view to promoting the abolition of nuclear weapons:

We urge the Government of Japan to:
-Enhance its action for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
-Examine the credibility of its nuclear deterrence policy, which is considered to be the greatest barrier to nuclear weapons abolition.
-Participate as an observer to the convention of the parties to the Treaty, not turn away from its entry into force, and respect and deal with it in good faith as international law.

As an interfaith coalition, RfP Japan renews its commitment to work for the realization of a "world without nuclear weapons" through prayers and actions for peace, together with its fellow international networks.

October 25, 2020
Most. Rev. Makoto Uematsu
Chairman, Religion for Peace (RfP) Japan