They recall a legal opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in The Hague on July 8, 1996, which found that the threat of use and the use of nuclear weapons generally violate international law.

Furthermore, according to the Court, 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 Mayors for Peace point out that "nuclear weapons have the potential to destroy all life on this planet. More than 12,500 nuclear weapons currently threaten humanity." And further: "We as Mayors for Peace are therefore sending a clear signal against nuclear armament in Germany on Flag Day."

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.