ICAN Is Biking Into Benalla This Friday

Throughout September, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) will be biking 900km from Melbourne to Canberra to tour their 2017 Nobel Peace Prize and raise awareness of the new UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) is a coalition of non-governmental organisations in one hundred countries promoting adherence to and implementation of the United Nations nuclear weapon ban treaty.

- ICAN

The group will be stopping in Benalla this Friday 7^th September at the Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre to share short films, displays, speakers (including co-founder Professor Tilman Ruff), and of course the Nobel Peace Prize medal.

Finally, nuclear weapons are prohibited along with chemical and biological weapons, landmines and cluster munitions. It’s time for Australia to get on the right side of history and join the ban on nuclear weapons.

- Dr Tilman Ruff

Professor Ruff told Triple M that the ride is a way to celebrate the significance of the 1st Nobel Peace Prize to be awarded to an Australian-born organisation, and he hopes Australia can take pride in that as well as the historic work they are doing.

He stated that numerous government parties - including 3/4 of the Labour party - have already signed a Parliamentary Pledge to work towards Australia signing the treaty, and to show support for the cause. 

Professor Ruff also has hopes to educate Australian residents on the issue of nuclear weapons, telling Triple M that "it's quite possible for Australia to say we no longer want to be protected by nuclear weapons" and still have a strong ally in the USA. 

For more information, get along to the presentations at BPACC this weekend, and keep an eye out for the ICAN cyclists – they’ll be adorning high visibility hand-sewn bike flags and decorations.