The Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for its relentless efforts to create a world free from nuclear weapons. This grassroots movement, composed of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as Hibakusha, was recognized for their powerful testimonies underscoring the imperative that nuclear weapons must never be used again.
The award ceremony took place in Oslo, where Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, emphasized the need to uphold the “nuclear taboo” established after the bombings of 1945, especially amidst escalating global tensions, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine. He noted that contemporary nuclear weapons possess significantly greater destructive power, raising alarms about the potential for catastrophic consequences.
Toshiyuki Mimaki, co-head of Nihon Hidankyo, expressed his astonishment at receiving the honor, reflecting on the meaningful recognition of their mission. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also acknowledged the significance of the award in the current geopolitical climate. The committee’s acknowledgment of rising nuclear threats resonates strongly as it advocates for peace and stability in a world fraught with conflict.
