Exactly 30 years ago, on July 8, 1996, the International Court of Justice in The Hague issued an advisory opinion stating that the threat or use of nuclear weapons generally violates international law. It also reaffirmed the obligation under international law “to pursue in good faith and bring to a conclusion negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament in all its aspects under strict and effective international control.”

Yet nuclear weapons are currently playing a more prominent role in international security policy once again. The nuclear disarmament regime appears to have been weakened. According to estimates by experts at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the nine nuclear-armed states still possess 12,187 nuclear warheads. The peace researchers also warn of a new arms race among the nuclear powers.

Mayor Nino Haase: “At a time when rearmament is taking place worldwide and nuclear threats are being used as a political tool, the message of the 30-year-old advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice is more relevant than ever. Nuclear weapons do not create security; they threaten our very existence. As a member of the Mayors for Peace network, Mainz is committed to nuclear disarmament and to an international peace order based on diplomacy and international law.”

To counter a new wave of nuclear arms race, the “Mayors for Peace” member cities are sending a clear message by raising the “Mayors for Peace” flag in front of their city halls on July 8. On this day, the members of the international network—chaired by Hiroshima—commemorate the 1996 ICJ advisory opinion and advocate for nuclear disarmament and global peace.

Who Are Mayors for Peace?

The Mayors for Peace organization was founded in 1982 by the mayor of Hiroshima. The global network is primarily dedicated to the abolition of nuclear weapons, but also addresses current issues to discuss ways to achieve peaceful coexistence. 8,579 cities in 166 countries belong to the network, including 931 cities in Germany. Around 600 cities in Germany are participating in Flag Day this year.