#Japan #Tokyo #Nuclear Energy #Leona Morgan #Lydia Petersen

Gathering on Nuclear Energy and Human Rights

On October 10, 2025, a significant event focusing on the interrelation of nuclear energy, uranium mining, and human rights will take place in Tokyo, organized by FoE Japan and Peace Boat. This gathering aims to shed light on the adverse effects of uranium extraction and the handling of nuclear waste regarding health and environmental justice.

The event will feature remarkable speakers, including Leona Morgan, a member of the Diné (Navajo) nation, and Lydia Petersen, a climate justice activist from South Africa, both of whom are at the forefront of advocating for communities affected by the nuclear industry. This year, they are coming to Japan to share their experiences and insights, and attendees will have the option to participate online via Zoom.

Leona Morgan: A Battle Against Nuclear Colonialism

Leona Morgan has been a tireless activist since 2007, fighting against nuclear colonialism that has adversely impacted indigenous populations. The historical context of uranium mining in the areas of Diné Bikéyah—lands traditional to the Diné people—provides a powerful backdrop to her work. Even 80 years ago, the Manhattan Project led to uranium extraction in regions that included Diné Bikéyah, creating a legacy of contamination and health issues.

Morgan's advocacy encompasses a broad range of issues, including the dangers posed by abandoned uranium mines, nuclear weapons laboratories, and uranium enrichment facilities. Along with her collaborative efforts with communities across North America, she actively opposes the entire uranium fuel cycle—from mining operations to nuclear weapons and the transportation and storage of nuclear waste. She is also a co-founder of the