Aachen Alliance celebrates 5 years for peace without nuclear weapons!

Aachen Alliance celebrates 5 years for peace without nuclear weapons!

In an urgent appeal, four organizations have come together in the "Aachen alliance against nuclear weapons" to fight for a world without nuclear weapons, armor and war. On the occasion of their five-year existence, the partners, including IPPNW, VVN-BDA, PAX Christi and DFG-VK, took stock and warned of the enormous threat to nuclear weapons that affect the Aachen region in particular. In a press conference, Volker Siller and Odette Klepper from IPPNW as well as Astrid Ensslen-Fuchs and Bernd Bremen from DFG-VK emphasized that there are three US atomic weapon base in the vicinity of Aachen, which makes the region a potential goal.

The first joint action of the alliance was the "Aachener Appell", which was supported by 1200 citizens and was handed over to Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. It addresses the immense threat of nuclear weapons and the population pointed out the catastrophic consequences of a possible attack: "In an emergency, the entire region becomes a direct target of opposing rockets - without any chance of survival for the local population." The alliance sees itself confirmed in its work, as it could move the city of Aachen and the city region to sign the "international city appeal against nuclear weapons", which asks the Federal Government to join the UN's nuclear weapon ban.

success and challenges

In the past five years, the alliance has organized numerous events and promotions to make the UN ban. The birthday of the nuclear weapons ban on nuclear weapons is celebrated on January 22nd annually, and August 6 is reminiscent of the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A citizens' application for naming a "Hiroshima Square" in the city was also brought in. Despite these successes, the allies are concerned about the current world situation. The Ukraine War is considered a severe setback, and the increasing spread of nuclear weapons in various countries is called "dangerous box".

"The climate crisis is left behind," warns Volker Siller, while Detlef Peikert warns of the "call for a European atomic bomb", which was initiated by the discussions. The partners of the alliance agree that the explosiveness of an atomic first strike is not adequately discussed in the public discussion in order to avoid fears among the population. The challenges are great, but the alliance remains determined to fight for a peaceful and nuclear weapons -free future.