Nihon Hidankyo, a prominent group of atomic bomb survivors, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. This significant recognition comes from the Norwegian Nobel Committee in light of the organization’s dedicated efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons globally.
Nobel Committee Chair Joergen Watne Frydnes praised Nihon Hidankyo for its substantial contributions to establishing the “nuclear taboo,” emphasizing that the importance of this taboo is currently under threat. The committee commended the group’s powerful witness testimonies as essential in ensuring that nuclear arms are never deployed again.
Founded in 1956, Nihon Hidankyo plays a crucial role in advocating for nuclear disarmament by sending survivors worldwide to share their harrowing experiences of the catastrophic impacts of nuclear weapons. Their mission began nearly a decade after the tragic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The organization has been nominated multiple times for the Nobel Peace Prize, receiving special mention from the Norwegian Nobel Committee in 2005. The catastrophic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, resulted in approximately 140,000 fatalities, followed by a second devastating attack on Nagasaki just three days later.
A visibly emotional Toshiyuki Mimaki, co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo, expressed disbelief at receiving this honor, stating, “Never did I dream this could happen.” He criticized the perspective that nuclear weapons foster peace, underscoring the potential for their misuse by terrorists.
The recognition of Nihon Hidankyo indicates a deliberate shift by the Nobel Committee away from more contentious nominees for the peace prize. Recent speculations included the United Nations organization related to Palestinian humanitarian support, raising concerns over its association with the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
In this year’s nominations, 286 candidates were considered, including 197 individuals and 89 organizations. Nominations are put forward by individuals holding significant positions such as government officials and members of international courts. The 2023 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian human rights activist recognized for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran.
