Nuclear Justice: Remembering the Marshall Islands’ Untold Struggles

The observance of Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day in the Marshall Islands highlighted the ongoing legacy of nuclear testing conducted from 1946 to 1958, which profoundly affected the environment and health of the local population. Baron Waqa, the Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, emphasized the theme “My Fish is Your Fish,” underscoring the interconnectedness of the Pacific Islands and the shared responsibility to protect both people and the environment.

This year’s commemoration remembered the 67 nuclear tests, particularly at Bikini and Enewetak Atolls, that displaced thousands of Marshallese people and left lasting health impacts due to radiation exposure. Waqa stated, “As we remember those lost and honor those still suffering, we are reminded that the struggle for nuclear justice is a shared one.” He advocated for nuclear disarmament and unity among Pacific nations in addressing these past injustices.

Junior Aini, the Marshall Islands Ambassador to Fiji, revealed efforts to seek revised compensation from the United States, noting that past agreements did not adequately account for the ongoing suffering of the Marshallese people. Highlighting regional initiatives, Aini pointed to the CROP Nuclear Task Force, which aims to tackle nuclear contamination and its long-term effects.

University of the South Pacific student Samuel Barton shared the significance of the day, reflecting on the lasting impact of the nuclear tests on traditional practices and lives of the Marshallese. The event concluded with a powerful demonstration of solidarity, as attendees marched in red to honor victims and call for nuclear justice. Waqa reaffirmed the commitment of the Forum to support the Marshall Islands in the fight for health, justice, and a nuclear-free Pacific.

The remembrance day serves not only as a reflection on past traumas but also as a beacon of hope for future advocacy and resilience in the Pacific region. As nations unite to confront the burdens of history, there is a collective aspiration for progress and healing.