Nobel Peace Prize 2024 Awarded to Nihon Hidankyo for Advocacy Against Nuclear Weapons

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has announced that the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize will be awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots movement comprised of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as Hibakusha. This recognition honors their unwavering commitment to achieving a world free from nuclear weapons and their poignant testimonies against their use.

Established in the wake of the atomic bombings in August 1945, Nihon Hidankyo has played a crucial role in raising global awareness regarding the devastating humanitarian consequences of nuclear weaponry. The personal narratives shared by the survivors have significantly contributed to shaping the “nuclear taboo,” an international norm that deems the use of nuclear weapons morally unacceptable.

In their announcement, the Nobel Committee underscored the vital impact of Hibakusha’s accounts in strengthening global opposition to nuclear arms. Through educational initiatives and public advocacy, their stories have brought to light the profound suffering caused by nuclear warfare, helping to illustrate the catastrophic repercussions of such actions.

Despite nearly 80 years passing without the use of nuclear weapons in conflict, the committee cautioned that this hard-won norm is increasingly jeopardized. The modernization of nuclear arsenals, the possibility of new countries acquiring nuclear weapons, and recent threats to deploy them in warfare present significant threats to global peace and security.

Founded in 1956 as the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organisations, Nihon Hidankyo has evolved into Japan’s largest and most prominent Hibakusha organization. Over the years, it has documented thousands of survivor testimonies, issued important resolutions, and sent delegations to the United Nations to advocate for nuclear disarmament.

As the world nears the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, the Nobel Committee emphasized the necessity of preserving the memories of Hibakusha. New generations in Japan continue to uphold the survivors’ legacy, striving to maintain the nuclear taboo and foster global initiatives aimed at promoting peace.

The award to Nihon Hidankyo is a testament to Alfred Nobel’s vision of honoring individuals and organizations dedicated to the betterment of humanity. The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize joins a long tradition of recognizing advocates for nuclear disarmament and arms control, reaffirming the importance of their mission in today’s world.