The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference is currently taking place at the United Nations in New York. Christian CND Executive Committee Member Aaron Humphriss is at the meeting and has been taking part in civil society activities. Aaron has been reporting back on his activities – you can find summaries below.
Prior to the Conference Aaron spoke at mass at St Casimir RC Church, who have kindly agreed to provide his accommodation during the Conference. You can see a recording of this here.
After his time at the NPT Aaron is enjoying a well-deserved rest but will be joining us on a Zoom call later this month to report back and share the insights he gained during the week. More details will be announced on our website in due course.
Arrived in New York ready for the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference at the #UN 🇺🇸🇺🇳. I will be posting updates here and on @ChristianCND’s official Twitter page over the next couple of weeks. Go ahead and give them a follow! #NPTRevCon pic.twitter.com/P1uxUDiAHJ
— Aaron Humphriss (@AaronHumphriss) July 28, 2022
Day 1
(2/3) I attended a side event hosted by the UK Mission. Questions were raised about the Government's decision to raise the cap on its nuclear warhead stockpile and AUKUS. During the meeting, I introduced myself to Timmon Wallis, who represented @ScottishCND. pic.twitter.com/1UlqIrEeox
— Aaron Humphriss (@AaronHumphriss) August 2, 2022
Day 2
Finished a meeting hosted by the Hiroshima Prefecture. Setsuko Thurlow, a survivor of the bomb, was present. The Governor of the Prefecture, Yuzaki Hidehiko, also spoke. I asked my first questions at the #NPTRevCon. Audio recording and picture of me with the Governor to follow! pic.twitter.com/JTDPUOcAGj
— Aaron Humphriss (@AaronHumphriss) August 2, 2022
Here are my questions asked this morning! We discussed a @SIPRIorg report on 'minimal nuclear deterrence' as a step towards disarmament. I commented on the UK's increase in the nuclear cap and asked the Hiroshima Governor about Japan's engagement with civil society (1/3). pic.twitter.com/YovHxUgZQD
— Aaron Humphriss (@AaronHumphriss) August 2, 2022
Day 3
A delegation from Japan is speaking to Aidan Liddle of the UK Mission. He emphasised the importance of them coming to the UN tell their story as a reminder of why we are here. Liddle noted that the UK does not intend to join the #TPNW and believes the #NPT is right way forward. pic.twitter.com/N22BSdbK72
— Aaron Humphriss (@AaronHumphriss) August 3, 2022
Following their engagement with the UK, I met with the Japan Confederation of A & H Bomb Sufferers. I offered the full support of @ChristianCND. Mr Sueichi survived the bombing of #Nagasaki. He urged us to continue campaigning, pleading: "Please, no more nuclear weapons." pic.twitter.com/9tQbUf6UO6
— Aaron Humphriss (@AaronHumphriss) August 3, 2022
Day 4
At Wednesday's meeting on Nuclear Weapons in Europe, we discussed the dangers posed by 🇷🇺 invasion of #Ukraine. We also examined the continuing deployment of 🇺🇸 nuclear weapons in 🇧🇪, 🇩🇪, 🇳🇱 and 🇮🇹. The return of weapons at RAF #Lakenheath in 🇬🇧 was also noted. #NPTRevCon (1/6) pic.twitter.com/u57lEPsFMy
— Aaron Humphriss (@AaronHumphriss) August 4, 2022
It was also a pleasure to meet Anna Ikeda of @SGI_OUNA. SGI will deliver an interfaith statement later this week signed by @ChristianCND, @paxchristiEW, @PaxScotland, @angpacifists, @BritishQuakers, @CofChrist, @Oikoumene (World Council of Churches) and many more! (6/6) pic.twitter.com/Y9ai6MrdCX
— Aaron Humphriss (@AaronHumphriss) August 4, 2022
On Thursday, I attended an @SGI_OUNA meeting. Can you spot me? Delegates discussed various practical steps that could be taken to avoid a nuclear war. Suggestions included the avoidance of dual-use weapons systems and the adoption of 'No First Use' policies… 🧵(1/4) https://t.co/DJh5SLwMLX
— Aaron Humphriss (@AaronHumphriss) August 4, 2022
A time to celebrate at #NPTRevCon! Yesterday, the Seán MacBride Peace Prize was presented to Her Excellency Elayne Whyte Gómez of Costa Rica. In 2017, she successfully presided over the negotiation of the #TPNW @nuclearban. 🎉 (1/3) pic.twitter.com/349vewN0fX
— Aaron Humphriss (@AaronHumphriss) August 5, 2022
