Peace Pledge Movement for Scientists

As the Cold War has ended, Russia and the United States of America have begun the disarmament process and reductions of nuclear arms. However, the arms reduction process is moving slower than expected. Furthermore, the management of the resulting weapons-usable material presents additional security concerns. In addition, the future of the nuclear scientists who once committed themselves to the construction of nuclear weapons is a serious issue. The nuclear tests by both India and Pakistan, the suspicions regarding Iraq and nuclear development, the development and testing of missiles by North Korea, raise serious concerns in the international community over nuclear and other weapons related technology developments.

In observing the development of nuclear weapons and other related weapons of mass destruction, one should not ignore the role that scientists have played. Throughout the 20th century, the role that scientists have played in the development of weapons has had a monumental impact on the environment and humanity — an impact which ranges from national weapons projects to smaller terrorist related activities. Most recently, the Sarin gas attack in the Tokyo subway in 1995 illustrates the possibility for scientists to participate in terrorism. This has become a great source of concern around the globe. On the other hand, the role of the scientist is also consequential in preventing nuclear war and contributing to disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Considering this background, we believe the role of scientists is critically important. We, as researchers of nuclear energy as well as technology policy with international experience, have been thinking about the role of the individual scientist in the peace effort. As a result, we have decided to launch a Pledge Movement for scientists to strengthen commitment to non-proliferation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. In particular, as we begin this movement in Japan — a country, which both on the national and citizen level, has a strong commitment regarding non-proliferation, we hope that it will have a expansive impact on the international community. The Peace Pledge itself will not take any position with regard to civilian uses of nuclear energy, in order to maximize the chance of increasing the number of signees and thus enhance meaningful dialogue. The essence of the Movement is as follows:

1. Commitment to peace: We initiate a Pledge Movement for scientists to express commitment to peace as an individual by signing the pledge, committing not to participate in the research, development, manufacture, acquisition, and/or utilization of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
2. Self awareness and responsibility: This movement is intended to increase awareness and responsibility of each scientist regarding the role of science in international peace.
3. Enhance dialogue: This movement intends to enhance dialogue among scientists whose views toward nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction may be significantly different.
4. Contribution to international peace: By expanding this movement, we hope to contribute to transparency of each country. By doing so, we would like to contribute to confidence building and enhancing regional security and international peace.
5. Internet will be the primary mode of the Pledge Movement. All names will be confidential unless the member agrees to allow his/her name to be disclosed. All Pledge members will receive a Pledge Card.

PLEDGE: I, undersigned below, pledge with honor and dignity:

To the best of my knowledge, I will not participate in research, development, manufacture, acquisition and utilization of nuclear weapons as well as of other weapons of mass destruction.

NAME

SIGNATURE DATE

Peace Pledge Movement for Scientists

P.O. Box 677, Tokyo Central Post Office, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-8692 Japan

Tel/Fax: +81-44-865-4659, E-mail: ppj@egroups.co.jp,

777 UN Plaza - 6th Floor - New York, NY - 10017 - Ph: 212.682.1265 - Fax: 212.286.8211 - info@reachingcriticalwill.org
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