The World Council of Churches (WCC) has made a powerful appeal for unity among churches and governments in the Pacific to confront nuclear threats, colonial influences, and militarization as the region approaches the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In anticipation of the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September, the WCC expressed its robust support for the “Ocean of Peace Declaration,” designating it as a significant regional commitment to transcending militarized security in favor of holistic peace.
The WCC emphasized the importance of centering the voices of Pacific Islanders, highlighting the need to prioritize their concerns such as community resilience, ecological sustainability, and cultural integrity over becoming mere instruments in international power struggles. The organization reiterated its long-standing commitment to a nuclear-free Pacific and denounced the harmful legacies left in regions like Ma‘ohi Nui, the Marshall Islands, and Kiribati.
The WCC advocates for independent evaluations of the impacts of nuclear testing, the right to access transparent data, and comprehensive reparations, while pressing for the universal acceptance of the Treaty of Rarotonga and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). They argue that achieving true peace necessitates dismantling colonial systems of control, pushing for the inclusion of affected nations like Ma‘ohi Nui and Kanaky on the UN decolonization agenda until full self-determination is realized.
The WCC also raised alarms over military exercises, particularly RIMPAC and Marara, arguing that they pose threats to peace, urging for transparency and consent in military undertakings, and calling for a moratorium on the deployment of autonomous weapon systems.
Alongside this, the WCC recognized the pivotal role Pacific nations play in combating the climate crisis, advocating for a global ban on deep-sea mining and emphasizing the leadership of Pacific churches in climate activism. They urged for greater representation of Pacific perspectives in international climate forums and promoted an eco-communal theology that integrates religious texts, Indigenous knowledge, and scientific insight.
Further, the WCC reiterated its concern over the human rights situation in West Papua, emphasizing ongoing engagement and support for affected areas, thereby affirming a commitment to justice, dignity, and the sanctity of the relationships between people, land, and sea.
As Pacific leaders prepare for the forum, there is an optimistic atmosphere for collaborative peacebuilding efforts that respect regional sovereignty and prioritize the interests of Pacific peoples, potentially leading to a safer and more unified future in the region. The call for collective action and justice resonates strongly amid the historical backdrop of nuclear legacies, signifying a hopeful pathway toward resilience and healing for Pacific nations.
Overall, this initiative propels a vision not only for a nuclear-free Pacific but also for a future where justice and sustainability are at the forefront of regional governance.
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