-----
Updated in March 2022: Due to the war in Ukraine, the flag of the "Mayors for Peace" is currently flying in front of the town hall in Salzgitter.
-----
The Court found that the threat of use and the use of nuclear weapons generally violate international law. The Court also found that there is an obligation under international law to "conduct and conclude negotiations in good faith leading to nuclear disarmament in all its aspects under strict and effective international control."
The advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice thus marks the beginning of a "post-nuclear" era. To commemorate this groundbreaking opinion, the state capital of Hanover, as Vice President of Mayors for Peace, introduced the so-called Flag Day in Germany exactly 10 years ago. Since then, more and more cities across Germany have taken part in the campaign, with around 400 mayors flying the flag against nuclear weapons on July 8. Numerous peace initiatives accompany this day with a variety of activities
This year's Flag Day focuses on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which came into force in January. The nuclear powers have not signed the treaty, and Germany has not yet joined the treaty either. Mayors for Peace around the world are therefore appealing to their respective states to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, including in Germany on this Flag Day.
They also commemorate the terrible atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945.
Who are the Mayors for Peace?
The Mayors for Peace organization was founded in 1982 by the mayor of Hiroshima. The global network is primarily committed to the abolition of nuclear weapons, but also addresses current issues in order to discuss ways of peaceful coexistence. More than 8,000 cities belong to the network, including more than 700 cities in Germany. Around 400 cities in Germany are taking part in Flag Day this year.
Further information:
Mayors for Peace Germany c/o City of Hanover, Lord Mayor's Office
Address: Trammplatz 2, 30159 Hanover
E-mail: mayorsforpeacehannover-stadtde