At the 2025 Nuclear Victims Remembrance Day held in the Marshall Islands, Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa highlighted the ongoing repercussions of nuclear testing in the Pacific and reiterated a commitment to justice and solidarity among affected nations. Waqa acknowledged the resilience of the Marshallese people and emphasized how their legacy of survival through adversity shapes the region’s drive for unity and healing.
In his speech, Waqa reflected on the Marshall Islands’ decision to be part of the Rarotonga Treaty, illustrating it as a significant step toward collective strength among Pacific nations. He regarded this treaty as a beacon of hope emerging from the devastating legacy of nuclear testing, underscoring the importance of unity to effect real change. “Your spirit of survival is a powerful testament that inspires a collective call to action,” he stated, reminding attendees that the nuclear impacts persist long after the detonations.
Waqa’s connection to the Marshall Islands is personal; he echoed a profound shared history with the audience, carrying forth a message of shared grief, yet also of hope. “In our collective remembrance, we find strength to advocate for justice and accountability, not merely for today’s generations but for the future,” he stated.
He applauded the Marshall Islands for its role in the region and the strategic efforts made by the Pacific Islands Forum to support it. Discussing the long-lasting effects of events like the Castle Bravo detonation, Waqa underscored the ongoing journey toward healing and justice.
Waqa highlighted the importance of continued dialogue regarding historical grievances and expressed the Forum’s unwavering support for the Marshall Islands in seeking equitable restitution for the consequences of U.S. nuclear testing.
He also addressed the Marshall Islands’ recent candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2025 – 2027, which he viewed as a pivotal moment for elevating global attention to the nation’s plight. He elaborated on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, reinforcing a shared aspiration for a nuclear-free future and urging all nations to unite against nuclear weapons’ proliferation.
Furthermore, he called for ongoing advocacy in the quest for nuclear disarmament, reflecting on the importance of collective learning in creating a secure and peaceful future. “Together, we must ensure that we do not merely remember, but also act—fiercely—for those who have suffered,” he urged. He finished with a heartfelt commitment to supporting all regions impacted by nuclear fallout, including the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, and French Polynesia, stressing that the voice of the Pacific will be heard on the global stage.
This day serves as a reminder for both current and future generations of the resilience that can emerge from pain. In honoring the past, there exists a hopeful outlook for the future as Pacific nations strive for unity and justice.
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