The Nobel Committee has awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization representing survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The group was honored for its tireless work in advocating for a nuclear-free world and sharing the harrowing witness testimony of the horrors of nuclear warfare.
A Historic Movement for Nuclear Disarmament
Formed in 1956, Nihon Hidankyo is the largest and most influential organization of atomic bomb survivors in Japan, known as the Hibakusha. For decades, the organization has focused on raising global awareness of the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons.
The Hibakusha’s personal stories, particularly of the devastation in August 1945, have shaped the international “nuclear taboo,” which stigmatizes the use of nuclear arms as morally unacceptable.
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The Nobel Committee praised Nihon Hidankyo for its unwavering dedication to generating and sustaining global opposition to nuclear weapons. “The Hibakusha help us to describe the indescribable, to think the unthinkable,” the Committee noted, emphasizing how their testimony offers a rare, first-hand understanding of the immense pain and suffering caused by nuclear warfare.
Nuclear Threats in a World of Conflict
The award comes against the backdrop of significant global conflicts. The war in Ukraine, triggered by Russia’s invasion, continues into its third year with a massive toll on human life.
Meanwhile, escalating violence in Gaza since October 2023 has claimed over 42,000 lives. Sudan is also grappling with a deadly 17-month conflict that has displaced millions.
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In its announcement, the Nobel Committee highlighted that despite nearly 80 years since the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nuclear weapons still pose a grave threat to global peace. The prize serves as a reminder of the growing threats as nuclear arsenals are modernized and the norm against their use is increasingly under pressure from emerging global threats.
A Call for Peace and Nuclear Disarmament
The stories of the Hibakusha have played a pivotal role in advancing nuclear disarmament efforts worldwide. Their witness accounts, public appeals, and annual delegations to the United Nations have been central in pushing for a nuclear-free future. As the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings approaches next year, the estimated 120,000 people who perished instantly, along with thousands more who later succumbed to injuries and radiation exposure, are remembered through the advocacy of Nihon Hidankyo.
“In awarding this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to honor all survivors who, despite physical suffering and painful memories, have chosen to use their costly experience to cultivate hope and engagement for peace,” the Committee said in its statement.
A Testament to Hope Amid Devastation
The Nobel Peace Prize for Nihon Hidankyo recognizes the powerful legacy of the atomic bomb survivors. Their continued advocacy for a nuclear-free world underscores the importance of remembering the devastation of nuclear warfare while striving for peace and disarmament in an increasingly volatile world.
