In January 2025, OPORA in Poland Foundation’s Advisor Kateryna Ryabiko visited Japan, following the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Hiroshima University and UNITAR as part of the program on peace and sustainable development.
One of the days was truly unique and offered a live witness account testimony from an A-bomb survivor. Ms. Keiko Ogura, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and an unwavering advocate for the abolition of nuclear weapons. As a representative of the Hibakusha movement, which was recognized with the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, Ms. Ogura continues to inspire the world with her courage and her commitment to a future free of nuclear devastation.
During our meeting, we discussed the importance of amplifying voices against atrocities and war crimes. Kateryna Ryabiko asked Ms. Ogura to share a message with all victims and survivors of Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine. Her response was a powerful call to action: “Strengthen the voices.” She emphasized the need for survivors everywhere to unite, to speak their truths, and to ensure that their experiences are not silenced or forgotten.
Ms. Ogura’s message resonates deeply with Ukraine’s fight for justice. Her own life story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the necessity of turning personal suffering into a force for global change. By advocating for the abolition of nuclear weapons, she reminds us that no nation or people should ever endure the horrors of war and its aftermath. OPORA in Poland Foundation and its Centre for the Assistance in Documenting War Crimes is on a mission to provide justice for victims and survivors of Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine and accountability for perpetrators of these horrific crimes.
