New Report Highlights Enduring Trauma of Child Survivors of Nuclear Bombings and Youth's Role in Disarmament
A 2024 report has shed light on the enduring trauma and health issues faced by young thug survivors of nuclear bombings. It also highlights the significant role of child people in the global nuclear disarmament movement, often overlooked in historical records.
The report reveals that over 38,000 children died in the US nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Today, their memory lives on through the annual sending of around 10 million origami cranes to Hiroshima's Children's Peace Monument.
The Children's Peace Memorial profiles 431 young victims, symbolizing the countless others who perished. The Peace Statue of a Boy at Shiroyama Elementary School in Nagasaki stands as a testament to their fight for peace.
Young people have been at the forefront of nuke disarmament efforts. Severn Suzuki led the movement in the 1980s, while Greta Thunberg has been a prominent figure in the 2010s and 2020s. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament was renowned for its youthful membership and direct-action tactics.
The report underscores the lifelong impact of nuclear weapons on children, who are disproportionately affected. It also serves as a reminder of the crucial role young people play in advocating for nuclear disarmament, a role that has been historically overlooked. As a new nuclear age begins, their voices and actions remain vital.
