Antinuclear

“Nothing but broken promises”: ICAN Ambassador, Karina Lester calls out Australia’s inaction on the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons,

ICAN Australia, 13 Mar 25

On Thursday, Yankunytjatjara-Anangu woman, second-generation nuclear test survivor, and ICAN Ambassador Karina Lester delivered a statement during the segment on Victim Assistance and Environmental Remediation and International Cooperation.

In her powerful statement, Karina outlined the expectations from affected community members worldwide for support under Articles 6 & 7 of the TPNW, which require states parties of the TPNW work collaboratively to provide support to communities impacted by the use and testing of nuclear weapons. Karina also called out the Australian Government’s lack of action on the TPNW to date, and made clear that it is time for Australia to sign and ratify the TPNW, without delay.

“I am concerned and deeply saddened that my own country has yet to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition on Nuclear Weapons. My country, my traditional lands, has felt the reality of nuclear weapons use. We even launched the movement that brought us to this day here in New York – the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons.

Yet despite promises, despite the expectations of community members and parliamentarians, and despite the clear and urgent need, we are still waiting.

Australia is the gap in our region. And this is shameful, nothing but broken promises. Many of our friends in the Pacific Islands and those in South East Asia have joined the Treaty. We call on our government to sign and ratify, to join this community of nations in working together to abolish nuclear weapons.”

In an interview with NITV, Karina said that the impacts of the British Nuclear tests on her country are still felt today, more than 70 years later.

Yet despite promises, despite the expectations of community members and parliamentarians, and despite the clear and urgent need, we are still waiting.

Australia is the gap in our region. And this is shameful, nothing but broken promises. Many of our friends in the Pacific Islands and those in South East Asia have joined the Treaty. We call on our government to sign and ratify, to join this community of nations in working together to abolish nuclear weapons.”

In an interview with NITV, Karina said that the impacts of the British Nuclear tests on her country are still felt today, more than 70 years la

March 13, 2025 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized