Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has called for greater recognition, support and justice for nuclear test veterans and affected communities, saying the consequences of nuclear testing continue to affect families across generations.

Speaking at the opening of a three-day Pacific regional dialogue, Mr Tikoduadua highlighted Fiji’s involvement in Operation Grapple, during which Fijian servicemen were sent to Christmas Island between 1957 and 1962.

He said many servicemen were not fully informed of the potential consequences of their exposure, and the impact of their service continues to concern veterans, their families and communities.

Mr Tikoduadua stressed the importance of implementing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, particularly its provisions on victim assistance, environmental remediation and international cooperation.

He said support must go beyond recognition and include access to healthcare and rehabilitation, environmental assessment and restoration, cultural healing, and assistance for families and future generations.

The three-day dialogue brings together veterans, affected communities, health and scientific experts, government representatives, regional organisations and civil society to discuss practical ways to address the long-term effects of nuclear testing.

Participants will also explore ways to strengthen national reporting and develop sustainable regional cooperation and funding mechanisms to support affected communities.

Mr Tikoduadua said the Pacific must ensure its history and the experiences of affected communities are represented at the First Review Conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons later this year.

He also highlighted the vision of an Ocean of Peace, saying it must include protecting people, caring for the environment and ensuring future generations are not left to carry the consequences of past nuclear testing.

He acknowledged the Fiji Nuclear Test Veterans and Families Association, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), ICAN Australia, the Nuclear Truth Project, Pacific partners and civil society organisations for supporting the dialogue.

Mr Tikoduadua officially opened the dialogue by urging participants to turn remembrance into meaningful action, healing and support for those affected by nuclear testing.