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Plans in Japan: 2008 International Action Day
[1] Tokyo
Gathering: “The Fifth International Action Day in Tokyo”
Time: Nov. 22 (Sat.) 18:30: 21:30
Place: Bunkyo Ward Citizens’ Center
Organizer: Citizens’ Net to DU Weapons
Speakers: Mr. Naomi Toyoda (photographer); Mr. Hisataka Yamasaki (Depleted Uranium Center/Japan); JIM-NET
[2] Osaka
1. On-the-Street Appeal
Time: Nov. 9 (Sun.) 12:00-13:30
Place: in front of the Osaka Railroad Station
Organizer: Campaign against Radiation
2. Gathering In Osaka in Solidarity with the International Action Day
Time: Nov.9 (Sun) 14:00-17:00
Organizer: Campaign against Radiation
Lecture: “Treaty Banning Cluster Munitions: Present Situation and Tasks” by Ms. Motoko Mekata (JCBL; Prof. of Public Policy, Chuo Univ.)
Report: “Global Movements Seeking a Ban on Uranium Weapons: ICBUW’s Actions toward the UN General Assembly in NY” by Dr. Katsumi Furitsu (ICBUW)
[3] Fukuoka
Time: Nov. 22 (Sat) or Nov. 30 (Sun)
Place and other details under consideration
[4] Hiroshima
1. Candle Message: “BAN DU NEXT”:
From Hiroshima to Oslo-New York
Time: Nov. 16 (Sun) 17:00-18:30
[To be postponed to the next day in case of rain]
Place: Plaza by the A-Bomb Dome
Organizer: ICBUW Hiroshima Office & 11.16 Planning Committee
2. Gathering for the CMC Global Action Week:
“Ban on Inhuman Weapons and Japan’s Role: Toward Abolition of Cluster, DU and Nuclear Weapons
Time: Nov. 16 (Sun) 14:30-16:30
Place: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Conference Room-1
Organizer: JCBL, ICBUW Hiroshima Office, HANWA
Supporter: Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation
Opening Speech by Ms. Haruko Moritaki (HANWA; ICBUW)
Lecture: “Problems and Objectives in the CMC Campaign” by Ms. Motoko Mekata (JCBL; Prof. of Public Policy, Chuo Univ.)
Report: “Perspectives in the BAN DU Campaign” by Mr. Nobuo Kazashi (ICBUW; Prof. of Phillosophy, Kobe Univ.)
3. Photo Exhibition: “A World without Uranium Weapons: the ICBUW Challenge”
Time: Dec. 7 (Sun) –Dec.12 (Fri)
Place: Hiroshima Citizens’ Exchange Plaza, Entrance Lobby
"Appeal from the UNESCO-UNITAR Asia-Arab Philosophical Dialogues" in response to the UN resolution on the DU effects
Dear all,
In Hiroshima July 25-27, 2008, the Conference of the Joint UNESCO-UNITAR Asia-Arab Philosophical Dialogues was held on the theme of the Roles of Philosophy in War and Peace and that of Ethics of Nuclear Energy Technology, where I had a chance to give a presentation about the DU problem, showing part of the DVD documentary, The Unknown Terror of DU: Iraqi Children Now. The participants expressed strong reactions and concerns, and decided to issue, at the end of the Conference, an appeal in response to the DU resolution adopted at the United Nations General Assembly Dec. 5 of last year.
I took us some time to obtain permission to issue such an appeal under the name of the Conference, but finally we got OK to circulate the appeal pasted below. Though this is an appeal issued, not by UNESCO or UNITAR as such, but by the participants at this Joint UNESCO-UNITAR Asia-Arab Philosophical Dialogues, I hope it will contribute to raising the awareness of the international community about the DU problem.
It has been posed at the home page of UNESCO Bangkok below, and we are free to make use of it in our campaign.
http://www.unescobkk.org/index.php?id=aapwg3
Best regards,
Kazashi Nobuo, NO DU Hiroshima Project
A response to the Depleted Uranium (DU) Resolution adopted at the United Nations General Assembly on 5 December, 2007
In response to the Depleted Uranium (DU) Resolution adopted at the United Nations General Assembly on 5 December, 2007, the participants of the Joint UNESCO-UNITAR Asia-Arab Interregional Philosophical Dialogues on the Roles of Philosophy in War and Peace, and the Joint UNESCO-UNITAR Workshop on the Ethics of Nuclear Energy Technologies, noted that they are deeply concerned about the DU issue especially because it is understand that it is children who are most susceptible to toxic radioactive materials.
Thus, the participants considered it is urgent to:
(1) To alert the peoples and children living particularly in the DU-affected areas to the dangers caused by DU weapons;
(2) To give serious consideration to the harmful effects of DU weapons by setting up an expert committee on the DU issue as quickly as possible;
(3) To place an international moratorium on the use of DU weapons to prevent further DU-caused harms on human health and contamination of the environment.
(4) To establish a body to transport DU-polluted war machinery and ammunitions away from polluted areas, and to properly dispose of them in remote and safe locations.
Agreed in Hiroshima, Japan, 27 July, 2008
the participants of the Joint UNESCO-UNITAR Asia-Arab Interregional Philosophical Dialogues on the Roles of Philosophy in War and Peace, and the Joint UNESCO-UNITAR Workshop on the Ethics of Nuclear Energy Technologies
Iraqi Minister of Environment Appeals to Japan for assistance in dealing with DU contamination
Tokyo Newspapers, Sept. 5, 2008
Dear all,
According to a report carried by The Tokyo Newspaper on Sept. 5, 2008, Ms. Nermeen Osman, Iraqi Minister of Environment visited Japan last week to attend a UNEP meeting in Kyoto, said in an interview : 105 sites have been found contaminated by the DU shells used during the Iraq War of 2003, and she was to visit Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that of Environment to ask for assistance in decontamination and health measures for residents.
She also said: Although researches on the DU effects on human health are still under way, it is clear that there is danger of damage to human health; cancer incidences have also risen. While they are taking measures to keep residents from entering the contaminated areas, they are carrying out works to remove contamination.
Furthermore, she said: she would like to ask Japan, A-bombed country, for assistance in treatment of victims, etc.
［The UNEP meeting in Kyoto was held to assess the advancement of the UNEP-Japan joint enterprise to recover Mesopotamian Marsh, which has been damaged severely during the Hussein era and due to use of landmines and chemical weapons during the recent wars.］
For your reference, Kazashi
----------------------------------------
http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/world/news/CK2008090502000117.html
NO DU gatherings in Hiroshima, August 5-6:
Appeal for Mr. Lee Si-woo, Korean journalist fighting for freedom of press
Dear all,
August 26, 2008
Early August we held two DU-related gatherings in Hiroshima; one on August 5th as a program in the Gensuikin (Japan Congress Against A- and H-Bombs) World Conference and another on August 6th, the 5th NO DU Exchange Gathering. Both gatherings were held at the Hiroshima Citizens' Plaza where some sessions were held at the ICBUW Hiroshima Conference in August 4-5, 2006.
This year's NO DU Exchange Gathering was held under the title of "Let's Follow the Ban on Cluster Munitions!: ICBUW Campaign after the UN Resolution," and attended by about 70 people coming from around Japan.
This year's special guest was Mr. Lee Si-woo, Korean photo-journalist who reported, at the ICBUW Hiroshima Conference in August 2006, about the enormous numbers of DU munitions stored at the US bases in Korea and Okinawa, Japan. In April last year Mr. Lee was arrested under the charge of impingement on the "National Security Law." While he was in custody, Mr. Lee carried out a very long hunger-strike in protest, and lots of people and groups including Amnesty International issued urgent appeals requesting his immediate release.
In September he was released on bail, and was acquitted of the charge last January, but one month later the national prosecutors appealed the ruling. Thus, Mr. Lee is still fighting at court; the worst verdict for the charge could be death sentence.
From his side, Mr. Lee has sued his government because he forfeited his irreplaceable photo negatives.
We decided to invite Mr. Lee to this year's Exchange Gathering in order to show once again our strong sense of solidarity with, and respect for, him.
After a renewed statement of our support for him was adopted, three girl students at Nanzan University in Nagoya City gave a powerpoint presentation about the DU damage in Iraq; it turned out a very, very excellent and moving presentation and received big applauds.
Next, ICBUW steering members gave reports about ICBUW's recent activities and made some action proposals for this autumn, internationally and domestically. Lastly, some groups gave brief reports about their recent activities, and Mr. Shoji Sawada, physicist, introduced a US Vietnam War veteran and a Vietnamese person, who were visiting Japan appealing about their damage from Agent Orange.
Kazashi Nobuo Director, NO DU Hiroshima Project
Some of the Activities in Japan for the International Day of Action against Depleted Uranium Weapons
(1) Oct. 23-28, Fukuoka City
Photo Exhibition by Naomi Toyoda
Oct. 27: Talk with a Slide Show by Naomi Toyoda
(2) Nov.1-7, Hiroshima City Plaza
Photo Exhibition: “Damages by DU Weapons and the Steps of the ICBUW International Campaign to Ban Uranium Weapons”
Organizer: NO DU Hiroshima Project
* Bank Divestment Campaign will be featured by a panel on display.
(3) Nov.11, Bunkyo-Kumin Center in Tokyo
Peace Gathering: Ban D U! Save the Iraqi Children! Against Japans’ New Law for Supporting the American War!
Speakers; Maki Sato, Rei Shiba, Hisataka Yamasaki
Film Showing; “The Situation of Iraq”
Organizer: NO DU Citizens’ Network
(4) Nov. 11, Kobe Community-Creation Hall in Kobe
Peace Gathering and a Way-side Speech
Panelist: Katsumi Furitsu, Yoshimura and others
Organizer: Campaign Against Radiation Exposure/NO DU Kobe and others
Related Events:
(1) Oct.11th, at Senshu University, Ikuta Campus in Tokyo
Peace Gathering: Talk by Haruko Moritaki
Title: "the Reality of the "US's War against Terrorism," and the Damages by DU"
Organizer: Student Society of Cultural Circle of Senshu University
(2) Oct.20th, in Nagato City in Yamaguchi Prefecture
Peace Gathering & Photo Exhibition: Talk by Haruko Moritaki
Title:“Radiation Damages from Uranium Mining to DU weapons”
Showing of a film, taken by Moritaki in Iraq as well as at the uranium mining in Jadugoda, India.
Photo Exhibition: The Iraqi Children suffering from DU damages
Organizer: Peace Committee of COOP in Yamaguchi
(3) Oct. 25, at the Former Nihon Bank Hiroshima Branch (A-bombed building)
“Exhibition of War”
Testimony Talk by Haruko Moritaki
Title: Radioactive Weapons and Hiroshima
Showning of a film taken by Moritaki in Iraq and at the uranium mining in Jadugoda
Organized by the Executive Committee for the War Exhibition for Peace in Hiroshima
(5) November.3rd, at the Chuo University, Tama Campus in Tokyo
Lecture & Photo Exhibition
Lecture by Haruko Moritaki
Title:“Uranium Disaster going on Today in Iraq and Afghanistan Disaster: What we should do to after Hiroshima”
Display of Panel Photos: Iraqi Children—Victims of DU
Organizer: University Festival Committee, Student Society of History
(6) Nov.4, at Gakushuin University of Mejiro Campus in Tokyo
Lecture: Haruko Moritaki
Title:“Iraq Polluted by Radioactivity of D U: the Reality of the American War supported by Japan”
Photo Exhibition, Oct.24-Nov.6: Iraqi Children: Victims of DU
Organizer: University Festival Committee, Student Union
Uranium Weapons: Contributing to a Dangerous World
UN Church Center (photo by needfire)
In the first week of October, ICBUW will be heading to New York for a two-day event examining all aspects of DU, the science, its legal status and much much more. Further details of speakers will be added as and when we get them. To register your interest in the event please email: info@bandepleteduranium.org
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His Holiness the Dalai Lama Backs Uranium Weapons Ban
The Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists has given his support for ICBUW's campaign for a global ban on uranium weapons.
14 September 2007 - ICBUW
The Dalai Lama, who is opposed to the use of weapons and all forms of violence as a means to resolve conflict, has offered his support via his office in exile in Dharamsala.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner is renowned for his support for environmental and human rights campaigns and his strict adherence to the principles of non-violence have won him recognition around the world.
He firmly believes that violence begets violence and therefore it is no solution to a lasting settlement of conflicts; believing instead in the settlement of conflicts through dialogue and compromise so that a lasting solution is found without one being the victor and other the loser.
Urgent Appeal for Release of Mr. Lee Si-woo,
Korean journalist detained unjustly since April
Amnesty International has issued the “Worldwide Appeal: SOUTH KOREA: Journalist denied freedom of expression,” which is pasted below.
As you can see from the Appeal, Mr. Lee Si-woo has been reporting about the anti-land mines and the US bases in Korea. Mr. Lee Si-woo is also concerned about the DU (depleted uranium weapons). At the 3rd ICBUW (International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons) Conference held in Hiroshima last August, he gave a presentation about the DU shells stored at the US bases in Korea and Japan.
The Human Cost of Uranium Weapons
Copyright©2007 Naomi Toyoda. All Rights Reserved
The EU Exhibition by Naomi Toyoda, May 14-16: European Parliament, Brussel
ICBUW and the European Parliament Greens/European Free Alliance have teamed up with acclaimed Japanese photographer Naomi Toyoda to present an exhibition of his work in the European Parliament this May.
Slide Show: The Human Cost of Uranium Weapons>
EU Exhibition by Naomi Toyoda: Descriptions of the Photos>
Copyright©2007 Naomi Toyoda. All Rights Reserved
Belgium Bans Uranium Weapons and Armour
They were first with land mines, first with cluster bombs - now Belgium has become the first country in the world to ban uranium weapons! ICBUW praises the hard work and commitment of the Belgian Coalition Stop Uranium Weapons.
CNN Reports: Dangers of Depleted Uranium
CNN American Morning's Special Investigation Dangers of depleted uranium: Do U.S. troops know about the dangers of depleted uranium? CNN's Greg Hunter reports
- [Part1](February 5)
- [Part2](February 6)(not available in cnn.com)
- (transcripts)[part1]
- (transcripts)[part2]
Friendly Fire Issue 4 Released
- European Parliament Makes Second Call For DU Ban
- Was DU Weaponry Used in the Lebanese War of 2006?
- Report From Belgian Day of Action 2006
- DU in the UK
- Japanese Week of Action
- DU News from the United States
Report on ICBUW's Activities in Helsinki, Finland
From IPPNW World Congress. Drafted by ICBUW board members Ria Verjauw and Katsumi Furitsu
Report from the 3rd International ICBUW Conference, Hiroshima August 2006
The 3rd ICBUW International Conference was held in Hiroshima, between August 3rd-6th. More than 1000 participants, including more than 40 people from 12 different countries and many more from all over Japan, attended the proceedings.
Hiroshima Appeal to Ban Uranium Weapons
The 3rd ICBUW International Conference
August 6th, 2006
Video Reports of ICBUW Hiroshima Conference Released
The Video reports will be released within 24hours after every sessions.
To view the videos, Adobe Flash Player
version 8.0 or later is necessary. Please download the latest
version at the Adobe
Official Download Center. 
The 3rd ICBUW International Conference Hiroshima, August 3-6, 2006
Raising Our Voices with the Victims for the Abolition of DU Weapons
ICBUW (=International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons) will hold its 3rd Annual Conference this August in Hiroshima, Japan. We are planning to invite victims from the DU-affected areas, veterans exposed to DU on the battlefield, as well as scientists, politicians and journalists, who will present their latest findings and views. Our goal is to shine a brighter light on toxic, radioactive DU weapons and highlight the urgent, global nature of this danger that threatens us all.
The Latest ICBUW news letter "Friendly Fire Issue 2 June 2006" released
Friendly Fire is published three times a year and collates the work of the 15 disarmament organisations from four continents who are working together to implement a global ban on the manufacture, sale and use of uranium weapons.
International Petition to Ban Uranium Weapons
Many people - innocent civilians especially children, military
veterans, industry workers - have illnesses and medical problems, which
may be due to their exposure to 'depleted' uranium. In areas such as southern
Iraq, where uranium munitions were used by the US and the UK, there have
been reports of increases in cancers, leukemia and birth defects.We, the
people, need to let governments and the United Nations know that these
weapons can have no part in a humane and caring world. Every signature
counts!We call for your support to demand:
- An immediate end to the use of uranium weapons.
- Disclosure of all locations where uranium weapons have been used and immediate removal of the remnants and contaminated materials from the sites under strict control.
- Health surveys of the 'depleted' uranium victims and environmental investigations at the affected sites.
- Medical treatment and compensation for the 'depleted' uranium victims.
- An end to the development, production, stockpiling, testing, trade of uranium weapons.
- A Convention for a Total Ban on Uranium Weapons.
