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The event will bring together speakers from the arts, civil society and the United Nations for a discussion on the critical role of respecting and protecting human rights to the maintenance of peace and security, particularly in the context of armed conflict.
The event will include a keynote address by Mr. Hiroshi Kanamoto, President of Nihon Hidankyo, followed by an informal panel discussion, moderated by United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, the event will explore three core themes: ‘The Past: Memories and Art’; ‘The Present: Today’s Conflicts and Impacts on Human Life’; and ‘The Future: What Will Tomorrow’s Conflicts Look Like?’. The distinguished panelists will include Ms. Koko Kondo (atomic bomb survivor, educator and peace activist); Mr. Taku Nishimae, 1FUTURE Co-Founder, filmmaker and journalist; Ms. Cynthia Veliko (Regional Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in South-East Asia); and Mr. Ulysse Richard (Consultant, United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs).

【Program Summary】
In this session, “Respect and Protection of Human Rights”, discussions explored from multiple perspectives what is required to safeguard human dignity and guarantee human rights amid the challenges of contemporary society, including war, discrimination, and emerging technological threats.Throughout the dialogue, participants shared the recognition that peace and security must be rooted not only in institutions and treaties, but fundamentally in the protection of human dignity and human rights. It was further affirmed that even when confronting new challenges such as climate change and cyber threats, the path to sustainable peace and a truly inclusive society lies not in restricting rights through exceptional measures, but in placing human rights at the very center.

【Speaker Summary: Hiroshi Kanamoto】
Hiroshi Kanamoto’s keynote speach was a powerful appeal for the universal significance of abolishing nuclear weapons, rooted in his personal experience as a hibakusha. He began by recounting his survival as a nine-month-old infant in Hiroshima. Carried on the back of his 15-year-old sister, he was exposed 2.5 kilometers from the hypocenter and narrowly survived amid the ruins. Yet his life thereafter was overshadowed by a constant struggle with the question: “Why was I the one to survive?” His sister, who was mobilized as a student worker only 1.5 kilometers from the hypocenter, survived with keloid scars across her body. However, she endured lifelong discrimination, job rejection, and illness. Beginning dialysis treatment at the age of 60, she battled for 26 years before passing away. For Kanamoto, her life epitomized the inhumanity of nuclear weapons. In his address, Kanamoto declared unequivocally that nuclear weapons are not merely tools of war but “absolute evils whose sole purpose is annihilation,” weapons that humanity must never tolerate. Through the history of his own family, he stressed that the damage of nuclear weapons extends far beyond the instant of the explosion, continuing to torment people across generations. He also reflected on the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, of which he is president. He explained that this recognition demonstrated to the world that the suffering of hibakusha is not a private or local issue, but a challenge for humanity as a whole. Kanamoto reiterated his determination to continue testifying and pressing the government to join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Addressing the younger generation, he called upon them to “inherit the memory and become bearers of peace-building.” Concluding his remarks, he declared: “The abolition of nuclear weapons is not a utopian dream; it is fully achievable if we take action.” His words left a profound impact on the entire audience.

【Speaker Summary: Izumi Nakamitsu】
Izumi Nakamitsu spoke from multiple perspectives about the significance of respecting human rights and building peace. At the outset, she referred to the testimony of Mr. Hiroshi Kanamoto, the keynote speaker, stressing the necessity of regarding the suffering and loss of dignity endured by atomic bomb survivors as a “shared memory of humanity.” She pointed out that the devastation caused by nuclear weapons is not limited to military loss but fundamentally tramples upon human dignity itself, and affirmed that the international community must unite to pursue the elimination of nuclear weapons. “To confront the inhumanity of nuclear weapons is the responsibility of the entire international community,” she declared. She went on to highlight three fundamental concepts essential to realizing respect for human rights: peace, human security, and human dignity. These three elements, she emphasized, are deeply interconnected, and sustainable protection of human rights cannot be achieved if even one is absent. Turning to contemporary challenges, Nakamitsu addressed the military applications of new technologies such as AI, autonomous weapons, and cyberattacks. She stressed that “science and technology must be used for the welfare of humanity, not diverted into tools of destruction or oppression,” and introduced the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs’ initiatives on developing international norms regarding new technologies. She underscored that not only governments but also civil society, scientists, and engineers must collaborate in establishing ethical frameworks. Nakamitsu also devoted particular attention to education and the nurturing of younger generations. With atomic bomb survivors aging, she emphasized the necessity of younger people inheriting their memories and taking up the role of advancing peace and respect for human rights. Learning about peace and human rights in schools, she explained, is not merely the transmission of knowledge but provides a foundation for fostering attitudes of respect for others in daily life. She reiterated that “respect for human rights cannot be entrusted solely to governments or international institutions; it is the responsibility of every citizen in their own daily life,” calling on the audience to take action. Furthermore, Nakamitsu noted the interlinked challenges of climate change, economic inequality, and regional conflicts. Though these may appear to be disparate problems, she pointed out that they are all deeply tied to human rights and exacerbate social vulnerabilities. Thus, she argued, “a human-rights-centered approach” is the key to solving these problems, urging the international community to cooperate across sectors. She concluded with the words, “Protecting peace and protecting human rights are two paths leading to the same destination,” leaving a strong impression on the participants.

【Speaker Summary: Koko Kondo】
Koko Kondo began by recounting her experience as a hibakusha, having been exposed to the atomic bombing in Hiroshima at the age of eight months. From this starting point, she reflected on her lifelong journey as a “storyteller of peace.” Her father, Reverend Kiyoshi Tanimoto, devoted himself in the aftermath of the bombing to supporting orphans and young female survivors. Growing up under his example, Kondo became deeply aware of the importance of bearing witness. At the age of 40, she listened to her father’s final sermon, in which he expressed regret that he had not been able to respond to the cries of many. This moment made her recognize her own mission to carry forward his work. Kondo also shared how, as a child, she once harbored deep hatred toward the crew of the Enola Gay. However, when she later met them in person and saw their tears, she realized that perpetrators too are human beings. This encounter gave her a new perspective of reconciliation and coexistence. She highlighted the significance of conveying memories through art and film, discussing her involvement in the production of the movie What Divides Us. “To continually question the meaning of memory,” she asserted, “is central to peace-building.” For Kondo, the path toward the “restoration of human dignity,” beyond the dichotomy of victim and perpetrator, has been the guiding trajectory of her life. Kondo has also been deeply engaged in educational testimony both in Japan and abroad. When addressing younger generations, she deliberately goes beyond recounting tragic experiences. Instead, she poses the question: “How would you live?”—encouraging listeners to see themselves as participants in peace-building. She recalled that many students responded with tears and shared their determination to find their own ways to act. Through collaboration with artists, Kondo has also brought her testimony to international audiences. By incorporating her experiences into film and stage productions, she has sought to communicate the message that “memory is a gift to the future.” In this way, her testimony has transcended mere victimhood and become a cultural and educational legacy for future generations. Concluding her remarks, she emphasized: “The wish for peace exists within everyone. What matters is translating that wish into action.” Her words resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring both empathy and resolve.

【Speaker Summary: Taku Nishimae】
Taku Nishimae, speaking from his perspective as a filmmaker and producer, underscored the crucial role of film in transmitting memory across generations. For more than thirty years, he has visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki, recording the testimonies of over 200 atomic bomb survivors. He emphasized that these testimonies are not merely historical records but constitute a “heritage of memory” that humanity must never forget. Each survivor’s voice, he explained, conveys truths that cannot be captured by statistics or figures; preserved through film, these voices become an enduring responsibility to future generations. Nishimae drew attention to the historical encounter between Reverend Kiyoshi Tanimoto and journalist John Hersey. The publication of Hersey’s book Hiroshima, which overcame censorship, had a tremendous impact on the international community. He also referred to Hersey’s return visit to Hiroshima in 1985 and his essay The Meaning of Memory, noting that memory is not only about knowing the past, but also about questioning the present and shaping the future. He further stressed that films and visual media have the unique ability to evoke emotions and empathy, providing audiences with opportunities to consider peace as their “own issue.” Recently, Nishimae has collaborated with young creators and students to produce new works, reinterpreting survivors’ testimonies through contemporary forms of expression. These efforts ensure that memories of the atomic bombing are passed down across generations, enabling young people to engage actively in peace-building. Nishimae also shared his experiences presenting such works at international film festivals and educational institutions. He described how dialogues with audiences worldwide revealed the power of “memory” to generate empathy across cultures and borders, fostering international solidarity. He concluded by declaring: “To pass down memory is to build the future; forgetting is tantamount to reproducing violence.” Reaffirming his commitment, Nishimae emphasized his determination to continue conveying the value of peace to future generations through the medium of film.

【Speaker Summary: Cynthia Veliko】
Cynthia Veliko, representing the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), delivered a comprehensive and concrete analysis of the relationship between contemporary conflicts and human rights. She began by declaring that “human rights are not abstract ideals; they derive their meaning only within the context of people’s daily lives,” leaving a strong impression on the audience. She highlighted the severe impact of conflict on civilian life: fundamental rights such as education, healthcare, housing, and employment are destroyed, and human dignity is stripped away at its core. Drawing upon examples such as the Syrian civil war and the persecution of ethnic minorities in Myanmar, Veliko observed that when trust in institutions and government is lost, cycles of violence inevitably ensue. This “collapse of trust,” she stressed, lies at the heart of human rights crises, while the “rebuilding of trust” forms the foundation of sustainable peace. Veliko underscored that active participation by civil society is indispensable to this process, placing particular emphasis on the role of young people. She noted that youth possess the flexibility to adopt new values and the capacity to overcome prejudice and discrimination. Human rights education in schools and dialogue at the community level, she argued, are vital tools in this effort. She also addressed the pervasive influence of unconscious bias on human relationships and social structures. Overcoming such bias, she explained, cannot be achieved solely through legal frameworks; it must also be supported by cultural and social transformation, as well as changes in individual awareness. Turning to the role of international organizations, Veliko stressed that they must not confine themselves to intergovernmental negotiations but must act as partners working alongside people on the ground. She introduced the concrete initiatives of OHCHR’s Regional Office for South-East Asia, which collaborates with local NGOs and educational institutions to conduct human rights education and awareness campaigns. These efforts, she explained, instill in individuals the conviction that “their rights are to be protected,” directly contributing to the restoration of trust in society. Veliko concluded with a strong call to action: “The struggle to protect dignity cannot be delegated to others. It is a responsibility borne by each of us.” She urged the audience to take concrete steps to safeguard human rights in their everyday lives.

【Speaker Summary: Ilwad Elman】
Speaking on behalf of the Elman Peace Centre in Somalia through a video message, Ilwad Elman delivered a powerful statement on the role of civil society in contexts of protracted conflict. She explained how she has inherited the vision of her mother, Elman Ali, who founded the Centre, and described her experiences in addressing the needs of communities devastated by decades of violence. A central focus of her remarks was the Centre’s program for the reintegration of former child soldiers. She provided details on initiatives designed to support children and youth who had been forcibly recruited by armed groups, enabling them to rejoin society through education and vocational training. For those suffering from deep psychological trauma, the Centre offers counseling and mental health support, helping them to develop the strength to choose dialogue over violence. Elman also highlighted the Centre’s efforts to promote women’s empowerment. In societies where decision-making spaces have traditionally been dominated by men, she emphasized the importance of expanding educational opportunities for women and cultivating female community leaders, as part of a broader effort to correct gender-based inequalities. She repeatedly stressed that “trust can be destroyed in an instant, but rebuilding it requires years of persistent effort.” This process, she argued, cannot rely solely on international support; it must be driven by local communities themselves. She underlined that sustainable peace can only be achieved when people in conflict-affected areas take ownership of their futures, with international partners playing a supportive role. Elman further emphasized the need to amplify the voices of young people. Youth, she asserted, are not only the custodians of the future but also central actors in today’s peacebuilding efforts. She called for their experiences and perspectives to be incorporated into policy and community initiatives. Concluding her message, Elman stressed that peace is not something delivered from the outside but must be built collectively from within communities themselves. “Peace is not given to us from outside,” she declared, “it is something we must build ourselves.” Her words left the audience deeply moved. She added that the challenges of rebuilding trust are not unique to Somalia, but are shared by societies across the world. Dialogue, education, and local solidarity, she concluded, are the essential pathways to restoring trust and achieving sustainable peace.

【Speaker Summary: Ulysse Richard】
Ulysse Richard, serving as a consultant with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), delivered a detailed reflection on the impact of rapidly advancing technologies on human rights and security. At the outset, he acknowledged that traditional weapons of mass destruction—such as nuclear and chemical weapons—remain significant threats. However, he emphasized that the most urgent challenges today stem from the proliferation of new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous weapons, and advanced surveillance systems. Richard warned that AI-powered weapons, capable of executing attacks without human judgment, pose the risk of catastrophic harm to civilians through malfunction or misidentification. Similarly, he cautioned that the spread of surveillance technologies and large-scale data analytics could severely undermine freedom and privacy, strengthening authoritarian regimes and leading to new forms of oppression. He underlined that these threats are not limited to the realm of security but also jeopardize human dignity and fundamental rights. He argued that the true purpose of disarmament is not merely an abstract diplomatic ideal, but the tangible reduction of human suffering caused by weapons. To achieve this, he insisted, the international community must strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks and coordinate responses to emerging technologies. He specifically highlighted the urgent need for international treaties restricting or banning the use of lethal autonomous weapons, and he called for greater involvement of civil society and academia in these discussions. Richard also drew attention to the ethical responsibilities of scientists and engineers. He stressed the importance of transparency and oversight in research and innovation, ensuring that technological progress does not become co-opted for military purposes. At the same time, he reminded the audience of the dual-use nature of technology. AI and robotics, he noted, can also contribute positively to peacebuilding and humanitarian assistance. For instance, they can be applied to demining operations, disaster relief, and medical support, saving lives and reinforcing human dignity. In closing, Richard declared: “Technological progress itself cannot be stopped. But whether it will serve the protection of human dignity depends on us.” He issued a strong call for collective responsibility across the international community, urging all stakeholders to act together for the sake of future security and the safeguarding of human rights.

【Discussion Summary】
During the discussion, all speakers explored the challenges of respecting and protecting human rights from their respective perspectives, generating a multifaceted exchange. Koko Kondo and Taku Nishimae began by addressing the question of how to transmit the memory of the atomic bombings to future generations. Kondo, drawing on her long career as a storyteller both in Japan and abroad, emphasized that “memory is not merely a past event but the foundation for shaping the future.” Nishimae added that film and visual media possess the unique capacity to touch emotions directly, providing audiences with an opportunity to regard peace as their “own issue.” Both agreed on the crucial role of art and culture as social mechanisms of memory, underscoring the importance of systems that ensure the intergenerational transmission of memory. Cynthia Veliko and Ilwad Elman, meanwhile, focused on the issue of human rights violations and the collapse of trust in the context of modern conflicts. Veliko noted that distrust in institutions and governance perpetuates cycles of violence, while the participation of civil society and youth is indispensable for restoring trust. Elman, drawing from her experiences in Somalia, introduced examples of reintegrating former child soldiers and empowering women within local communities. Both emphasized that “rebuilding trust” constitutes the foundation of peace, and agreed that the international community must support such grassroots efforts. Expanding the discussion, Ulysse Richard addressed the implications of technological progress for human rights and security. He warned that concerns regarding AI and autonomous weapons are not abstract fears of the future but urgent issues already confronting humanity. He stressed the pressing need for international regulation and ethical frameworks to address these challenges. Responding to these contributions, Izumi Nakamitsu summarized by reaffirming the interconnection of three key pillars: peace, human security, and human dignity. She emphasized that the realization of respect for human rights requires three essential elements—memory, trust, and dialogue. All participants concurred that respect for human rights cannot be left solely to states or international organizations, but is a task that must be implemented in the daily lives of individual citizens. Taken as a whole, the program served as a bridge between past and present, presenting a pathway toward the respect for human rights with an outlook toward the future.