The All Africa Conference of Churches has welcomed the coming into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, stating on January 26 that the treaty ‘addresses the disproportionate impact of nuclear weapons on women and indigenous peoples’.

The statement also describes the stance of the All Africa Conference of Churches as believing that the very holding and potential threat of use of nuclear weapons is immoral. “There are no safe hands for these weapons,” reads the statement.

“The accidental or deliberate detonation of a nuclear weapon would cause severe, long-lasting and far-reaching harm on all aspects of our lives and our environment throughout the world.”

These technologies are also part of systems and structures that bring about great suffering and destruction, the statement adds. “The legacy of the global hibakusha [people affected by nuclear explosions or exposure to nuclear radiation] provides the inspiration to the ecumenical community to continue its push for the elimination of nuclear weapons,” reads the text. “Their courage and perseverance serve as the inspiration, guidance and moral foundation in the quest for a world free from nuclear weapons.”

The All Africa Conference of Churches also acknowledges that a lot of work still needs to be done. “We must not be discouraged at the slow pace, but become even more determined to push for a better world,” concludes the statement.

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on July 7 2017 and entered into force on January 22 2021 after it was ratified by 50 countries.

(WCC)