75 years later, join us in saying ‘never again’

Action

On 6 August it will be 75 years since a bomb called Little Boy destroyed Hiroshima. At least 210.000 people died, most of them civilians. Survivors and their children are still experiencing the health and social consequences, even today. We ask all financial institutions to join us on 6 August in commemorating the humanitarian catastrophe of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and calling for the total elimination of all nuclear weapons.

How can you contribute

Publish your policy

It is now general practice and common sense for financial institutions to have a policy on nuclear weapons. Although the extent of these policies vary widely, specifically including nuclear weapons in any controversial weapons policy demonstrates that a financial institution recognises the inhumane nature of nuclear weapons. The Hall of Fame profiles the best of these policies, while others listed in the Runners-up still illustrate the devastating nature of nuclear weapons. If your policy isn’t listed, but should be, let us know.

Make a statement

We ask every single financial institution to speak out on 6 August. Restate your commitment to the end of nuclear weapons on your website or in a press release. This is also a good opportunity to explain the thinking behind your policy to your customers.

Example statement
Nuclear weapons are the most destructive weapon ever created. They cause unspeakable humanitarian suffering and environmental damage. [Name financial institutions] recognises nuclear weapons are unacceptable and therefore has a policy in place to make sure we do not invest in companies that are involved with nuclear weapons. With this policy, we do our bit in contributing to the end of nuclear weapons.

Today, 75 years after the bombing of Hiroshima, we encourage other financial institutions to follow our example by adopting a policy on nuclear weapons and ending all financial relations with nuclear weapons producers.

Engage with nuclear weapons producers

This is also an opportunity to do dedicated engagement with companies involved in the development, production or maintenance of nuclear weapons and to encourage them to stop those activities.

Let us know!

Please let us know about what your company is planning for 6 August, so we can amplify all of the statements and actions. It is also possible to let us know off-record about engagement you are doing.

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About Maaike Beenes

Maaike Beenes works for the humanitarian disarmament program for PAX in the Netherlands. She researches investments by financial institutions in producers of controversial weapons, notably nuclear weapons and cluster munitions, and is co-author of the reports ‘Don’t Bank on the Bomb’ and ‘Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions’. As part of the Don’t Bank on the Bomb campaign of PAX and ICAN, she works together with campaigners around the world to hold banks and other investors accountable for their investments in nuclear and other controversial weapons. She was involved in the negotiations for the Treaty on the Prohibition on Nuclear Weapons on behalf of PAX and ICAN.