Japan’s Nihon Hidankyo wins 2024 Nobel Peace prize
The Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo, representing survivors of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for its relentless advocacy for a world free from nuclear weapons. The Norwegian Nobel Committee lauded the group’s efforts and highlighted the importance of firsthand testimonies from Hibakusha, emphasizing that such narratives demonstrate the necessity of never using nuclear weapons again.
In its citation, the committee stated, “Hibakusha helps us to describe the indescribable, to think the unthinkable, and to somehow grasp the incomprehensible pain and suffering caused by nuclear weapons.” This recognition underscores the critical role these survivors play in raising awareness about the devastating impacts of nuclear conflict.
Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots movement formed by those directly affected by the bombings, has dedicated itself to educating the world about the horrors of nuclear warfare. The Nobel Committee’s decision reflects a continuing commitment to addressing the global nuclear threat, following its previous recognition of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) in 2017.
The Nobel Peace Prize, which carries a monetary award of 11 million Swedish crowns (approximately $1 million), will be presented in Oslo on December 10, coinciding with the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. This year’s award serves not only as an acknowledgment of the Hibakusha’s struggles but also as a clarion call for international efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons entirely.
