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Peace Boat brings hibakusha to Dublin on June 14th

Submitted by irishcnd on Fri, 06/11/2010 - 10:04

On Monday, 14th June, Dublin will host a visit from the Japanese-based Peace Boat, including ten atomic bomb survivors (hibakusha - literally "explosion-affected people") from Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This visit is a unique chance to meet survivors of the most devastating weapons of mass destruction ever used, and hear their experiences and their message. Don't miss the opportunity!

Peace Boat is an international NGO working to promote peace and sustainability through the organisation of peace voyages onboard a large passenger ship. Peace Boat also actively participates in advocacy and educational activities on issues such as disarmament, conflict prevention and development as an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.

Events throughout the day are as follows:

9.30 - 11.00 a.m. Press conference in the Georgian room, Buswell's Hotel, Kildare St., Dublin 2. Speakers will include hibakusha and Peace Boat members, a representative of the UN Disarmament Office, as well as representatives of a number of international organisations campaigning for the abolition of nuclear weapons, including Irish Nobel Peace laureate Mairéad Maguire. This is an open event, so all are welcome to attend.

1.15 - 1.45 p.m. Around lunchtime, the hibakusha hope to visit the memorial cherry tree in Merrion Square Park, Dublin 2, where Irish CND traditionally holds its Hiroshima commemoration in August. This is an informal visit, but if you're free at lunchtime, you're welcome to come along.

3.00 - 5.00 p.m. Open public meeting with the hibakusha in the Exchange Dublin arts centre, Exchange St Upper, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. This promises to be a unique experience with a number of musical contributions, testimony from the hibakusha and the opportunity for open discussion with the hibakusha and other participants. Come along, bring your friends, and spread the invitation far and wide!

These events are jointly organised by Peace Boat (www.peaceboat.org), Irish CND (www.irishcnd.org) and World without Wars and without Violence - Ireland www.worldwithoutwars.org).