paypal

Costa Rica backs nuclear ban

11 February 2013

Costa Rican president Laura Chinchilla today signed a letter of support to ICAN for a global ban on nuclear weapons. At a ceremony held at her official residence, President Chinchilla received 1,000 paper cranes made by students from Hiroshima and the UN University for Peace in San José – a symbol of support for a nuclear-weapon-free world.

“Peace cannot be only the subject of prayers for some people; it is the most natural human asset we have,” the president said at the ceremony upon accepting the gift of peace. “These beautiful cranes made by hands full of the hope of many young people will be able to spread their wings to more countries every day,” she added.

The ceremony came about at the request of ICAN campaigner Mariko Ishii, who enlisted the support of fellow students at the University for Peace and doctors from the newly established Costa Rican chapter of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War. The delivery is part of ICAN’s global Paper Crane Project.

In addition to President Chinchilla, officials present at the ceremony included the Costa Rican foreign minister and communications minister, parliamentarians past and present, and the ambassadors of Japan, France and Russia. Ms Ishii and other campaigners involved in the initiative have hailed the event at the presidential house as a major success.

President Chinchilla’s message of support →



Back to Top ↑

The Facts

  • sheen

    “There is no way you can use even one nuclear weapon without becoming a victim yourself.”

    Martin Sheen Actor and activist

  • bankimoon

    “I salute ICAN for working with such commitment and creativity in pursuit of a nuclear-weapon-free world.”

    Ban Ki-moon UN Secretary-Gen.

  • yokoono

    “We can do it together. With your help, our voice will be made still stronger. Imagine peace.”

    Yoko Ono Artist

  • jodywilliams

    “Governments say that a nuclear weapons ban is unlikely. Don’t believe it. They told us the same thing about a mine ban treaty.”

    Jody Williams Nobel laureate

  • ianchappell

    “I support the work of ICAN. In what sort of world do we want our young ones to grow up?”

    Ian Chappell Cricketer

  • desmondtutu

    “With your support, we can take ICAN its full distance – all the way to zero nuclear weapons.”

    Desmond Tutu Nobel laureate

  • herbiehancock

    “Because I cannot tolerate these appalling weapons, I whole-heartedly support ICAN.”

    Herbie Hancock Jazz musician

  • hansblix

    “I am proud to support the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons.”

    Hans Blix Weapons inspector

  • dalailama

    “I can imagine a world without nuclear weapons, and I support ICAN.”

    Dalai Lama Nobel laureate


Bookmark and Share