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The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization representing survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This recognition highlights the group's tireless efforts in advocating for a nuclear-free world and their powerful witness testimonies on the horrors of nuclear warfare. The award comes at a time when global peace is under immense pressure, with devastating conflicts raging across the globe.
Nihon Hidankyo, established in 1956, is the most prominent and influential organization of atomic bomb survivors in Japan. Their mission has been to raise global awareness of the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. The Hibakusha, survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, have shared their harrowing experiences of the devastating bombings in August 1945. Through their personal stories, they have played a significant role in shaping the international “nuclear taboo,” a powerful norm that stigmatizes the use of nuclear weapons as morally unacceptable.
The Nobel Committee lauded Nihon Hidankyo for their unwavering commitment to fostering global opposition to nuclear weapons. They acknowledged that the Hibakusha's testimonies have provided a unique and invaluable perspective on the unimaginable pain and suffering caused by such weapons. The Committee emphasized the profound impact of their efforts in highlighting the human cost of nuclear warfare, stating, “The Hibakusha help us to describe the indescribable, to think the unthinkable.”
Despite nearly 80 years having passed since the atomic bombings, nuclear weapons remain a grave threat to global security. The Nobel Prize serves as a stark reminder of the escalating dangers to global peace. The Committee pointed out that nuclear arsenals are being modernized, and the norm against their use is facing increasing pressure as new threats emerge. The ongoing war in Ukraine, the devastating conflict in Gaza, and the protracted civil war in Sudan are grim examples of the volatile state of global security.
The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo underscores the vital importance of nuclear disarmament. It recognizes the enduring legacy of the Hibakusha and their unwavering commitment to a future free from the threat of nuclear weapons. Their stories, delivered through witness accounts, public appeals, and annual delegations to the United Nations, have played a crucial role in advancing nuclear disarmament efforts. As the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings next year, the Nobel Committee's decision stands as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of the Hibakusha and their unwavering message of peace.
In awarding this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, the Norwegian Nobel Committee seeks to honor all survivors who, despite enduring physical suffering and painful memories, have chosen to channel their experiences towards promoting hope and engagement for a peaceful future. Their courage and resilience serve as an inspiration to us all, urging us to work towards a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons.
Source: Japanese atomic bomb survivors' group Nihon Hidankyo awarded 2024 Nobel Peace Prize