As it is known, more than 450 nuclear explosions were carried out (116 of them were atmospheric) at the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site (18,500 km²). According to experts, the total power of atmospheric explosions was 2.5 thousand times greater than the power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

More than 1.5 million people suffered from nuclear tests in Kazakhstan, the consequences of which continue to affect to this day.

At the same time, it is important to give the opportunity to share their stories and be heard by the international community to as many victims of nuclear tests in Kazakhstan as possible. The variety and diversity of stories of victims told in the first person will help Kazakhstan to show the scale of the tragedy to the world community.

The side event will feature the screening of the documentary “I Want to Live On,” based on interviews with people affected by nuclear testing, reflecting their suffering and hopes.

Also the personal story of  Aigerim Yelgeldy, representing the third generation of victims of nuclear tests, will allow people with their own eyes to see what catastrophic and long-term consequences for humans and the environment the tests of these inhuman weapons lead. 

The main goal of this event is to show what price innocent people have paid and continue to pay for the arsenals of nuclear countries.