Why does the world still has so many nuclear weapons despite their destructive power? On Monday January 27 several nuclear and security experts and politicians will discuss the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. The debate is organised by IKV Pax Christi and the Dutch Red Cross.
There are still 17,000 nuclear weapons around the world – of which 20 are located in the Netherlands. It only takes one to cause a humanitarian catastrophe on a horrific scale. We are potentially only minutes away of seeing an entire city flattened in an instant, killing hundreds of thousands of people with no adequate humanitarian relief possible.
A realistic scenario
Based on population numbers and facts on the short-and long-term effects of nuclear weapon explosions, IKV Pax Christi outlined a realistic scenario on what would happen if attackers would get a nuclear bomb in their hands and explode it in Europe’s largest logistic and industrial hub: the port of Rotterdam. Main conclusion: the Netherlands is not able to prepare for such a disaster and the people of Rotterdam and surroundings cannot be protected adequately.
About the speakers
Hans Kristensen (Nuclear Information Project), Peter Herby (Norwegian Red Cross), Lars Pohlmeier (IPPNW) and Wilbert van der Zeijden (IKV Pax Christi). Moderator is Dutch news magazine ‘Vrij Nederland’ journalist Harm Ede Botje.
Reserve a place?
You can reserve a ticket on the Humanity House website.
Programme
| Spoken language | English |
| Café / foyer open | 18:00 |
| Program start | 18:30 |
| Program end | 20:00 |
| Entrance | free |
Including drinks and snacks at the entrance