Statement on the 65th Anniversary of the First French Nuclear

Joint Statement on the 65th Anniversary of the First French Nuclear Test in the Algerian Sahara – February 13, 1960

We, the undersigned organizations, representing affected communities, indigenous peoples, advocates for nuclear disarmament, environmental protection, human rights, and peace, gather today to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the first French nuclear test conducted in the Algerian Sahara on February 13, 1960.

On this tragic day, France detonated its first nuclear bomb, code-named “Blue Jerboa”, in the Reggane region of southwestern Algeria, resulting in a devastating humanitarian and environmental catastrophe. The consequences of this disaster continue to cast a long shadow over present and future generations.

This nuclear test was not an isolated event but marked the beginning of a series of 16  other subsequent tests, 11 of them were carried out after the Évian Accords of March 18, 1962, which marked Algeria’s independence. These 17 nuclear tests, along with 40 additional nuclear experiments involving plutonium dispersion (subcritical tests Pollen and Augias)…, that left a tragic legacy of widespread radioactive contamination and severe health damage to the local populations in the affected areas. Decades later, the lingering effects remain evident in the alarming rise in cancer rates and chronic respiratory diseases, along with the continuous environmental degradation that has severely impacted natural resources, disrupted livelihoods, and negatively affected the socio-economic fabric of local communities.

Beyond the physical and environmental consequences, these nuclear tests have also inflicted profound psychological and social impacts on the affected populations, who have endured decades of neglect, lack of adequate healthcare, absence of information and fair compensation, and delayed official recognition of their legitimate rights.

In this context, we welcome the communications sent by the UN Special Rapporteurs to the French and Algerian governments on September 13, 2024, which have not yet received a response, emphasizing the importance of:

  • France taking full historical and legal responsibility for the consequences of its nuclear tests in Algeria, implementing practical measures to address the resulting damage, including full disclosure of all related documents, identification of radioactive waste burial sites, environmental remediation of contaminated areas, and fair compensation for victims, ensuring their access to adequate healthcare and support.
  • The Algerian government is taking clear measures to properly inform the public about the ongoing risks posed by these nuclear tests, outlining preventive measures to avoid new victims, and ensuring meaningful participation of civil society in addressing the aftermath of this disaster.

We welcome, in France, the establishment by the National Assembly of a new commission of inquiry on monitoring the consequences of nuclear tests, initiated by parliamentarians convinced of the need to make French law on the victims of nuclear tests conducted by France between 1960 and 1996 more just. We also welcome the organization by the Algerian authorities of an international symposium on the health and environmental consequences of nuclear explosions, on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the first French atmospheric nuclear explosion in the Algerian Sahara.

We emphasize the urgent need for both the French and Algerian governments to take concrete steps to close this painful chapter in history and work jointly to guarantee the rights of victims and protect future generations from similar threats.

We demand from France:

  • Full acknowledgment of the nuclear crimes committed in Algeria and acceptance of legal and moral responsibility, accompanied by fair compensation for the victims.
  • Declassification of all documents related to the nuclear tests, including detailed information about radioactive waste burial sites and the extent of contamination, with an end to concealing information under the pretext of “national security” In this regard, France must provide Algeria with a copy of its archives.
  • Signing and ratifying the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) as a demonstration of goodwill in addressing the catastrophic consequences of its nuclear tests and ensuring justice for the affected communities.

We demand from Algeria:

  • Immediate action to protect public health in the affected regions, including the implementation of a comprehensive national plan to address the environmental and health consequences of the French nuclear tests.
  • Transparency in sharing nuclear test-related information and ensuring civil society and specialized organizations are involved in national efforts to address the disaster’s aftermath, notably the publication of an annual report on the activities of the National Agency for the Rehabilitation of Former French Nuclear Test and Explosion Sites in southern Algeria.
  • Further efforts to ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and utilize all available legal and diplomatic means to guarantee the rights of victims and facilitate their access to documents and archives related to the nuclear tests.

We call on Algeria and France

  • To establish a joint commission to monitor the health and environmental consequences of nuclear tests and other experiments, involving representatives from both governments, parliamentarians, and victim associations.

Finally, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to continuing the fight for justice and peace, standing alongside affected communities to ensure that victims receive the justice and recognition they deserve. We remain steadfast in our efforts to protect human rights and preserve the environment while working diligently to address the devastating impacts of nuclear testing, securing a safe and sustainable future for present and future generations.

Organizations signing this statement include:signing:

  1. SHOAA for Human Rights
  2. International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN)
  3. ICAN France
  4. Observatoire des armements / CDRPC
  5. Action on Armed Violence
  6. Acronym Institute for Disarmament Diplomacy (AIDD UK)
  7. Congolese Civil Society of South Africa
  8. beHuman
  9. International Peace Bureau
  10. International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW)
  11. Nyuklia Eureka
  12. UK and Ireland Nuclear Free Local Authorities
  13. Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
  14. The University of Bradford Peace Studies and International Development Department
  15. Merseyside CND
  16. Secure Scotland
  17. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in Wales-CND Cymru
  18. The Bangor and Ynys Mon Peace and Justice Group
  19. 80000 Voices
  20. Nuclear Information Service
  21. WILPF UK
  22. Christian CND
  23. Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
  24. Stockport for Peace
  25. United Nations Association – UK
  26. Pax for Peace
  27. Pax Christi Flanders
  28. Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center
  29. ICAN Deutschland
  30. Yorkshire Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
Statement on the 65th Anniversary of the First French NuclearDownload