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Austrian Ambassador in Scotland: Towards a Global Nuclear Weapons Ban

The ambassador from Austria who initiated the Humanitarian Pledge to ban all nuclear weapons is coming to Scotland

TOWARDS A NUCLEAR WEAPONS BAN

Bill Kidd MSP, as co chair of the nuclear disarmament cross party group will  host gueScreenshot from 2015-08-26 22:07:44sts on Wednesday 23rd September from 6.30 – 8.30pm at the Scottish Parliament, marking UN International Day of Peace and UN International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. Earlier in the day he will be debating in the Parliament in support of the Marshall Island nuclear victims. The early evening discussion will highlight and support the Humanitarian Pledge, initiated by the Austrian Government, which aims to fill the legal gap in the prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons.

The event is organised by the Scottish Branch of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (S WILPF) with support from SCND and other members of the Scrap Trident Coalition.

The meeting will address humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, including the particular relevance for women and girls, and examine the ways in which gender structures stand in the way of disarmament.

Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs will contribute  introductory remarks.

Austrian Ambassador, Alexander Kmentt who was instrumental in initiating the Humanitarian Pledge which has now been signed by 116 states will speak at the event.

The panel will also include Dr Claire Duncanson Lecturer in International Relations University of Edinburgh, Mia Gandenberger  WILPF project Programme Manager with Reaching Critical Will in Geneva, Rebecca Sharkey UK Coordinator International Campaign for Abolition of Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), to offer academic, polititcal and activist perspectives.

Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome, although places are limited, and to comply with parliamentary security, details of all attendees will be submitted in advance.  If you would like to be added to the list of invitees, please email janetscotlands4peace@yahoo.co.uk directly.

Scottish branch,

Womens International League for Peace and Freedom

janetscotlands4peace@yahoo.co.uk