by Jerald Ross
Massachusetts joined celebrations around the world to recognize the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (1/22/21). From marches, standouts and speeches, from banners and bell ringing from church towers, and with articles and letters in publications around the state, activists hailed the achievement of this global pact that finally and ultimately says NO MORE NUCLEAR WEAPONS. The treaty is now in effect for the first 50 countries who have ratified it. Others are well underway. The US like other nuclear weapons powers have not signed on, but the treaty has significant consequences even for those not yet on board. (see the Call to Action for further information).
ICAN, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, which won the 2017 Nobel Prize for its work leading to the treaty’s initial approval, led this world-wide recognition. The treaty is based on not only the unimaginable destructive force of these weapons, that from their first invention have violated all norms and laws of conflict, but fundamentally, on their their profoundly unacceptable humanitarian consequences.
The photos above capture some of the many celebrations and actions around Massachusetts celebrating this great achievement and calling on the United States to join the Treaty on the Prohibition on Nuclear Weapons.
