Pacific civil society organizations are voicing strong opposition to any potential plans by the United States to resume nuclear weapons testing. Reports indicate that the Trump administration may consider conducting nuclear tests for the first time since 1992, a move that would defy the internationally recognized moratorium and raise the alarm of a renewed nuclear arms race.
The Pacific collective has stressed that resumed nuclear testing, along with continued threats from nuclear-armed nations, presents critical risks to global peace, security, and the well-being of communities throughout the Pacific. Many people in regions such as Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, and Maohi Nui (French Polynesia) continue to deal with the dire consequences of nuclear tests conducted in the past.
In a statement, the collective expressed, “For the Pacific, this announcement and other signals from nuclear-armed states are not just an abstract geopolitical debate; they represent a direct and existential threat that recalls the devastating legacy of the Cold War.” The collective highlighted that the U.S., U.K., and France used the Pacific as a testing ground for over 315 nuclear weapons, leaving behind a legacy of suffering that these nations have largely evaded accountability for, affecting the health and environment of Pacific communities and future generations.
The group is calling for the United States to reaffirm its commitment to a peaceful Pacific by joining island nations that have ratified the Treaty of Prohibition for Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Their message is clear: “It’s time for political diplomacy, not nuclearization.”
Additionally, Pacific civil society groups are vehemently condemning Japan for its ongoing release of treated nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi power plant into the Pacific Ocean, which has raised serious environmental and health concerns since this process began in August 2023.
Amidst these challenges, there is a united and resilient spirit among Pacific nations, continuing to advocate for justice and accountability for the adverse effects of nuclear testing. As discussions about nuclear disarmament and environmental protections evolve, there is hope for a collaborative future that prioritizes the health, security, and rights of current and future generations in the Pacific. This ongoing dialogue not only serves to heal historical wounds but also signifies a strong commitment to a future free from nuclear threats, underlining the Pacific’s aspiration for peace and solidarity.