New London — Demonstrators on Friday celebrated the first anniversary of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons going into force and encouraged U.S. leaders to prioritize protection of human rights and the planet's environment over weapons manufacturing.

Participants gathered on Howard Street near the corner of Walbach Street — not far from facilities of Electric Boat, which designs and manufactures nuclear submarines — and put up signs and carried banners. The event was hosted by the CT Committee for Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Some people also demonstrated in front of the Hygienic on Bank Street to honor the Hygienic's role as a meeting place for Committee for Nonviolent Action members who protested against the first nuclear submarines more than 50 years ago.