Massive challenge Rarely do we see a tiny island nation taking on the most powerful nuclear nation on Earth in the battle for just compensation and human rights. (FT April 29). Marshall Islands Government has accused US and eight other countries involved for failing to negotiate nuclear disarmament. The island nation situated in the northern Pacific Ocean with a population of 68,000 was used heavily for nuclear tests between 1946 and 1958. In 1956 US Atomic Energy Commission admittedly regarded Marshall Islands as by far the most contaminated place in the world. I visited Majuro the capital in the 1990s as Asia-Pacific Secretary from Methodist Church in Britain to provide funding for an innovative health project championed by activist Darlene Keju for the cause of nuclear test survivors. Darlene brought world attention to the destructive effects of nuclear tests in her speech delivered at the 1983 World Council of Churches Assembly held in Vancouver. The project gave hope to generation of troubled youth. Pacific people whose voices are not heard amongst the powerful nations should continue for just compensation for the destruction caused by nuclear tests whether be it in northern Pacific or in Tahiti. Granted that under Compact of Free Association there are arrangements between United States and Marshall Islands for substantial monetary compensation but the continued injustice of using small islands to serve the purpose for which they had no choice needs international action. Both United States and Marshall Islands have votes at the United Nations and the International Court of Justice at the Hague could at least make a declaration with future implication for the sake of the oppressed and voiceless. Reverend Akuila Yabaki, Suva
Posted on: Tue, 06 May 2014 22:35:55 +0000
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