WMD-We Must Disarm

Many atomic bomb survivors, called HIBAKUSHA (hi-ba-coo- sha), have dedicated their lives to peace. Although they are growing old, they continue to work for nuclear disarmament by sharing, their first-hand accounts of their experiences and the horrific effects of nuclear weapons. Take this valuable opportunity to listen to Hibakusha testimonies and participate in the “Poetry for Peace” contest.

Although the average age of the atomic bomb survivors (called “hibakusha”) is now 73, they still wish to make a difference by ensuring that others will never have to live through the ravages of nuclear war. You can help!

How?

Participate in the “Poetry for Peace” contest.

What is the “Poetry for Peace” contest?

In their own voices, hibakusha have recorded their testimonies for you and future generations to hear. To take part, follow the simple steps below:

1. Click “like” and become a member
2. Listen to a hibakusha story. Right click on one of the links below to open in a new tab:
• http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/dnp/hibakusha_popup.html
• http://www.global-peace.go.jp/en/sound/index.html
• http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/un/disarmament/arms/testimony_of_hibakusha/index.html

3. Based on the account you heard, share your feelings through verse. From a haiku to a sonnet, post your own poem for peace on the Home page.

Not a writer? No worries.

Listen to a hibakusha story, and then check out the poems on the Home page. Click "like" under the one that most moved you.

The winner will be selected among those with the most "likes" by a panel of judges from the United Nations and the Japanese Government.

When will the winner be announced?

There will be THREE winners. Their names will be read out in a commemorative event during Disarmament Week in October 2011. They will also be announced on the cause page. Each will be contacted and emailed a certificate suitable for framing.

Why join the “Poetry for Peace” contest?

The more people who participate, the greater the understanding will be about the urgency to make our planet a safer place for you, your children and grandchildren by advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons.

How can you help?
- PARTICIPATE in the “Poetry for Peace” contest;
- INVITE all your friends;
- LISTEN to the hibakusha testimonies:
http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/dnp/hibakusha_popup.html
http://www.global-peace.go.jp/en/sound/index.html
http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/un/disarmament/arms/testimony_of_hibakusha/index.html
- ASK all your friends to do the same;
- POST your Poetry For Peace poem on the wall;
- VOTE for the poem that moved you most;

WHERE DO I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
Get more into it on the United Nations Disarmament Affairs website
http://www.un.org/disarmament/content/slideshow/hibakusha/

1. BECAUSE nuclear weapons threaten all our lives;

2. BECAUSE we have to make progress towards a world free of nuclear weapons;

3. BECAUSE it may free up resources for other global challenges such as climate change, poverty and hunger.