PR:International Summer Camp Protests Nuclear Industry In France And Around The World

For Immediate Release by: Sortir du nucléaire Aude

Supported by: Nuclear Heritage Network, Réseau « Sortir du nucléaire », Arrêt du nucléaire 34

PRESS RELEASE 11 August 2018

International Summer Camp Protests Nuclear Industry In France And Around The World
Narbonne During this week of the 73rd anniversaries of the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the International Anti-Nuclear Summer Camp takes place near Narbonne in the south of France from August 6th to 12th. Tents, performances, and debates are waking up a peaceful estate of olive trees and wild thyme. Located a few miles away from the Orano uranium-conversion facility (formerly Areva), this meeting of 12 nationalities focuses on all aspects of the nuclear fuel chain.

How can the nuclear industry propagate so much new waste when there is waste that has not been properly cleaned up at uranium mines, nuclear weapons facilities, and nuclear power plants? Why does government allow the nuclear industry to continue, knowing the health and environmental dangers, as well as possible terrorism risks? How do private interests suppress democracy and human rights? What are the solutions to fight against nuclear proliferation? How can we separate nuclear energy into « civilian » and « military » uses? To address these shared problems, the International Anti-Nuclear Summer Camp has designed a week’s long program filled with workshops, discussions, film screenings, debates, activist formations, site visits, music, street actions, and two commemorations for the bombings of Hiroshima (August 6) and Nagasaki (August 9).

This year, several guests, including nuclear workers, activists, community organizers, and members of civil society are speaking to share experiences and information about nuclear activities in their respective countries of: Belgium, France, Germany, India, Japan, Navajo Nation (Indigenous Nation of Turtle Island), Portugal, Russia, Spain, Turkey, United States, and Vietnam. All share a common diagnostic: from uranium mines to radioactive waste, the entire nuclear chain is extremely dangerous, is too expensive, anti-democratic, and cannot be a solution to climate change.

This international dialogue depicts an unforgiving reality of the violence created by the nuclear industry and lobbies all around the world. Simultaneously, this international meeting gives a wonderful optimistic outlook: everywhere, resistance is rising. All around the world, courageous people are struggling against a deadly industry and promoting ecological energy transition.

To get a glance at the spirit of this summer camp, here are some quotes from participants of every continent represented:

Michiko YOSHII, a professor at Okinawa University of Japan reflects on her workshop entitled How We Successfully Stopped The Nuclear Project Of Vietnam, “I was very happy to speak about my experience to the international audiences, giving some optimistic topics to the international battle against nuclear affairs.”

Hervé Loquais, Organizer of the event and Secretary of Sortir du Nucléaire 11 of France says “I am proud to host brave activists from all over the world in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere.”

Leona Morgan, an indigenous organizer and activist fighting nuclear colonialism in the United States remarks, “It is imperative to work together across cultures and borders to make a nuclear-free world a reality.”

ABOVE: On August 9, 2018, Participants pose with the symbolic hand gesture of Australian anti-nuclear movement, to show solidarity with their action Walking For Country or, “Walkatjurra Walkabout,” taking part at this time in Australia.

Press Contacts:
 * Leona Morgan (English): +1 505 879 8547
 * Julien Baldassarra (French): +33 6 73 99 69 57

For More Information:
 * http://www.sortirdunucleaire.org
 * http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/International_Anti-nuclear_Summer_Camp_2018
 * http://www.walkingforcountry.com