Memorial launched for 38,000 children killed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), a Nobel Prize-winning organization, initiated an online memorial dedicated to the 38,000 children who perished during the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This initiative was launched in advance of the 80th anniversary of the bombings, which occurred on August 6 and 9, 1945. The memorial features over 400 profiles detailing the lives, suffering, and deaths of these children, with the aim to honor their memories and compel action towards the total abolition of nuclear weapons. The atomic bombings by the United States resulted in staggering human loss, with approximately 140,000 deaths in Hiroshima and around 74,000 in Nagasaki, including many who succumbed later due to radiation exposure. The data from ICAN highlighted that of the total 210,000 victims, roughly 38,000 were children. The organization emphasized the importance of sharing these heart-wrenching stories, especially in the current context of rising global tensions and the threat of nuclear warfare. The launch of this memorial follows recent controversial comments made by US President Donald Trump, where he compared the use of nuclear weapons in Japan to US military actions in Iran. Trump's statements prompted backlash from atomic bomb survivors and led to public demonstrations in Hiroshima, as the city's assembly passed a motion condemning any remarks which justify the use of nuclear weapons. Israel's ambassador to Japan is expected to attend the ceremony in Nagasaki, demonstrating international recognition of the memorial's significance, even as some diplomatic tensions linger regarding past events and their interpretations. ICAN, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017, continues to play a vital role in advocating for nuclear disarmament. Last year's Nobel Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, an organization composed of survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, highlighting ongoing efforts to commemorate the impact of atomic bombings and call attention to the need for peace and prevention of future atrocities. The online memorial not only serves as a remembrance for the innocent lives lost but also as a catalyst for urgency in discussions about global nuclear policy and the need for diplomatic solutions.