This 2MSP side event will highlight the ongoing harm experienced by affected communities from the range of nuclear weapons activities. It will also discuss how articles 6 and 7 of the TPNW works towards addressing these, what is needed next for the strong implementation of these obligations, and how through mobilizing around them states can be encouraged to join the treaty.

With the 2MSP taking place in New York - where nuclear weapons started, and we are gathering to end them - this event will include amplifying the voices of affected communities impacted by nuclear programs in the US. Here in the US the development, production, testing, and storage of nuclear weapons and radioactive waste create devastating environmental and humanitarian impacts that are ongoing but underreported.

The event will also hear expert contributions from communities affected by other states’ nuclear weapons testing, as well as other policy experts and activists. It will discuss themes including what states should do next in implementing articles 6 and 7, building inclusive ways of working, promoting universalisation through these articles, and the ambition panel members wish to see from states parties in their engagement on articles 6 and 7 of the TPNW at the 2MSP and beyond.

The speakers will be:

• Tina Cordova, Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium
• Petuuche Gilbert, Acoma Pueblo, Indigenous leader, Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment, Indigenous World Association
• Mari Inoue, Manhattan Project for a Nuclear-Free World, Affected Communities and Allies Working Group
• Hinamoeura Cross, Member of Parliament, Assembly of French Polynesia
• Mere Tuilau, Youngsolwara Pacific
• Alicia Sanders-Zakre, Policy and Research Coordinator, ICAN

The panel will be moderated by Kelly Lundeen, Affected Communities and Allies Working Group, Nukewatch, and Elizabeth Minor, Article 36