Peace campaigners to visit diplomats amid risk of nuclear war
Two delegations from the London Region of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament visited Embassies across London on Thursday 19 September to highlight the growing risks of global nuclear war and urge all nations to work for peace.
The event is took place ahead of the United Nations International Day of Peace and comes amidst increasing global tensions at a time when the world stands closer to nuclear war than perhaps any other point in history.
A delegation visited the Embassies of the United States and China, both nuclear-armed countries, and France and Germany, key NATO Member states. The delegation also delivered a letter to the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street.
The delegation called for a ceasefire and urgent negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict, which has resulted in over six million refugees and around four million internally displaced people. In August 2024 the OHCHR had recorded 11,520 civilians killed and 23,640 more injured since the invasion in February 2022, and believes the real number is higher.
The current situation in Gaza will also be highlighted, where Israel’s incessant bombardment has resulted in over 40,000 deaths since 7 October 2023. Hunger is widespread and disease rampant. Recent research published by Parliament suggests a further 10,000 are missing or under rubble and 94,398 people have been injured across Gaza and Israel. Few countries have experienced the level of devastation taking place in Gaza, since World War II ended.
At the same time, another London CND delegation visited Embassies of states which have signed but not yet ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, including Ghana, Indonesia, Brazil and Columbia. The Treaty bans nuclear weapons in the same way as biological and chemical weapons have also been banned. The TPNW was agreed by the United Nations in 2017 and to date more than 90 states have signed.
London Region CND Chair Carol Turner, who will lead the delegation, said “If the world doesn’t urgently seek peace there is a real risk that the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine could escalate out of control. We are keen to hear from diplomats about efforts to bring about peace and reinvigorate efforts for a reduction in global nuclear stockpiles.”