Datteln Commemorates 80th Anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with Calls for Nuclear Disarmament

The people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki endure the indescribable horror of an atomic bomb being dropped 80 years ago. Since then, survivors have warned of the consequences of nuclear weapons, with the city of Datteln joining Mayors for Peace in 2018. Mayor Andre Dora raises the "Mayors for Peace" flag annually on July 8th, committing to nuclear disarmament, anti-war, and peaceful coexistence. Experts at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimate 12,241 nuclear warheads worldwide, with nine nuclear powers modernizing their arsenals, particularly China.

Key Takeaways:

• The city of Datteln marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, highlighting the need for nuclear disarmament.
• Mayor Andre Dora has raised the "Mayors for Peace" flag annually since 2018, demonstrating the city's commitment to nuclear disarmament and peaceful coexistence.
• There are approximately 12,241 nuclear warheads worldwide, with nine nuclear powers modernizing their arsenals, with China's nuclear arsenal growing rapidly.
• The New START treaty, regulating nuclear weapons between the US and Russia, expires at the beginning of next year, with efforts to extend or replace it appearing unlikely.
• A new nuclear arms race is looming, with the threat and use of nuclear weapons generally violating international law.
• The International Court of Justice found in 1996 that there is an obligation under international law to pursue and conclude negotiations in good faith leading to nuclear disarmament.
• Mayors for Peace, founded in 1982, has over 8,480 member cities in 166 countries, including around 900 cities in Germany, working towards the abolition of nuclear weapons and peaceful coexistence.
• More than 600 cities in Germany participate in Flag Day this year, commemorating the 1996 International Court of Justice ruling on nuclear disarmament.

Statistics:

• 12,241 nuclear warheads worldwide (estimated by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute)
• 9 nuclear powers modernizing their arsenals, with China's nuclear arsenal growing rapidly
• 5 years remaining until the New START treaty expires
• 166 countries with member cities in Mayors for Peace
• 8,480 member cities in Mayors for Peace globally
• 900 member cities in Mayors for Peace in Germany
• Over 600 cities in Germany participating in Flag Day this year

Sources:

• The city of Datteln news release, attributed to "Datteln.de"
• Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
• International Court of Justice ruling on July 8, 1996
• Mayors for Peace, founded in 1982