| | by admin | | posted on 3rd April 2025 in National Alignments | | views 184 | |
Youth CND is the youth wing of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), one of the UK's most prominent anti-nuclear organizations.
CND itself was founded in 1958, in response to the Cold War arms race and the growing threat of nuclear weapons.
From the early years, young people were heavily involved in CND actions, but Youth CND as a formal group developed later to focus specifically on mobilizing younger generations.
1958-1989
Youth and student activism played a big role in CND marches, Aldermaston marches, and direct action against nuclear weapons.
Young members formed their own committees and organized protests, sit-ins, and public awareness campaigns.
In the 1980s, the renewed threat of nuclear escalation under Reagan and Thatcher fueled a revival of the anti-nuclear movement, with Youth CND active in schools, colleges, and universities.
1990s
After the end of the Cold War, the nuclear issue became less prominent, and like many peace organizations, Youth CND saw a decline in activity.
However, it continued to exist and maintained a presence in youth movements, supporting campaigns against Trident (the UK's nuclear weapons system) and global disarmament efforts. Youth CND members were regularly involved in Trident Ploughshares actions, blockades, and being a part of the Faslane Peace Camp.
During this period, many young members of Youth CND later went on to become organizers in other movements like Stop the War, Greenpeace, and Climate Camp.
2000s to Present
Youth CND has been revitalized several times by new waves of activists.
It played a role in Stop the War Coalition protests against the Iraq War (2003), highlighting the link between nuclear disarmament and anti-war movements.
Recently, Youth CND has been active in opposing the Trident renewal and supporting Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) efforts, which the UK government adopted in 2017..
It engages young people through education, direct action, online campaigns, and collaborations with other youth-led peace, climate, and justice groups.
Youth CND had success with the Organized 'Summer Disarmament Camps' — youth-focused workshops and non-violent direct actions.
The Stop Trident Rally (2016) saw Youth CND active in mobilizing young people for the massive Stop Trident demonstration in London, which attracted tens of thousands demanding the cancellation of Trident's renewal.
Creative campaigning by Youth CND in the 21st century included as die-ins, banner drops, and social media campaigns targeting MPs and raising awareness about the treaty.
Youth CND continues to focus on creating a nuclear-free future, promoting peace education, and empowering young people to campaign for nuclear disarmament.
They continue organize workshops, protests, and creative actions, often linking the anti-nuclear cause with climate justice and social justice.
Most notably, in present times, Youth CND has held joint events with XR Youth and other climate groups under themes like 'Climate, Peace & Justice', exploring how military spending diverts money away from tackling the climate crisis.