Japan Hidankyo, which is made up of A-bomb survivors' organizations nationwide, has decided to start a full-fledged review of the movement policy and organizational structure centered on the A-bomb survivors as the people involved are aging. I'm here.
The Nihon Hidankyo = Japan Council of Atomic and Hydrogen Bomb Victims' Organizations, established in 1956, is the only national organization of atomic bomb survivors, and has been active both in Japan and abroad calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons and support for atomic bomb survivors. As the population ages, we are forced to reduce our activities.
In response to this situation, Japan Hidankyo will review its movement policy and organizational structure, which has been centered on the atomic bomb survivors, and will start full-scale consideration to expand its activities, such as allowing anyone to participate. I am planning to start.
We are calling on atomic bomb survivor groups across the country to have repeated discussions in various places, and we would like to solidify a new movement policy and organizational structure for 2025, the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, within the next year.
Sueichi Kido, secretary-general of the Japan Hidankyo, said, ``Nuclear weapons are not just a problem for the hibakusha. We have to create activities in a way that everyone can get involved," he said.
A-bomb survivor groups to dissolve or suspend activities in 10 prefectures
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, as of the end of March last year, the number of people exposed to atomic bombings was 118,935 nationwide, falling below 120,000 for the first time, with an average age of 84.53.
After the Nihon Hidankyo was formed in 1956, atomic bomb survivor groups were established in all prefectures across the country, but as the population ages, groups in 10 prefectures have so far been forced to dissolve or suspend their activities. .
On the other hand, according to a survey conducted by Nihon Hidankyo last year on groups nationwide, 12 groups had hibakusha as the secretary generals responsible for practical work, and about 30% of the total were hibakusha. ” and supporters are increasing in number.
It has been 78 years since the atomic bomb was dropped, and the issue is how to pass on the hibakusha movement to the next generation.