On October 11, 2024, the International Center for Civil Initiatives “Our House,” a Belarusian civil society organization, officially became a partner of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), a Nobel Peace Prize-winning coalition dedicated to the global abolition of nuclear weapons.

This partnership occurred on a symbolic day, as the Nobel Peace Prize was also awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization representing survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. This dual recognition underscores the importance of ICAN’s mission and highlights “Our House’s” critical role in advocating for nuclear disarmament in Belarus.

Recently, Belarus received nuclear weapons from Russia, a development that sparked widespread concern and protests from “Our House.” The organization’s swift and vocal opposition to this move reflects its deep commitment to a nuclear-free Belarus. “Our House” has been consistently organizing public campaigns and actions, urging for the removal of nuclear arms from Belarusian territory, and calling for the country’s contribution to global peace and security through disarmament.

By joining ICAN, a global network of over 600 organizations across more than 100 countries, “Our House” is positioned to strengthen its fight against nuclear weapons in Belarus. As part of this Nobel Peace Prize-winning campaign, “Our House” will now have access to crucial resources, such as updates from international disarmament efforts, action alerts, and invitations to key events. This collaboration will allow the organization to elevate its advocacy and increase pressure on national and international leaders to prioritize the removal of nuclear weapons from Belarus.

The timing of “Our House’s” partnership with ICAN is highly symbolic. On the same day that this collaboration was formalized, Nihon Hidankyo received the Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing their decades-long efforts to ensure that the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are never repeated. This connection to the global movement against nuclear weapons is particularly meaningful for “Our House,” which recently organized a commemorative event honoring the victims of the atomic bombings. The event highlighted the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare and reinforced “Our House’s” commitment to preventing such tragedies from ever occurring again.

With Belarus now hosting nuclear weapons, the role of “Our House” in advocating for disarmament is more critical than ever. The organization’s actions—ranging from protests to public education campaigns—underscore the urgency of removing nuclear arms from Belarusian soil. The partnership with ICAN will further amplify these efforts, as “Our House” joins forces with international allies to push for the implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which prohibits the development, testing, and use of nuclear weapons.

This collaboration is a significant step for “Our House” and for Belarusian civil society as a whole. By joining ICAN, “Our House” sends a powerful message of solidarity with the global disarmament movement. At a time when Belarus has recently become a host to nuclear weapons, the organization’s efforts to campaign for disarmament are both timely and necessary. Together with ICAN, “Our House” will continue to fight for a nuclear-free future, ensuring that Belarus contributes to a safer, more peaceful world.

The convergence of events on October 11, 2024—the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo and the partnership between “Our House” and ICAN—serves as a symbolic reminder of the shared history and ongoing struggle for nuclear disarmament. Through this partnership, “Our House” reaffirms its dedication to a world free of nuclear weapons, ensuring that the lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki guide the fight for peace and security in Belarus and beyond.

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