The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots group of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The organisation received the honor for its ongoing efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons and its role in raising global awareness about the devastating effects of these weapons.
Hibakusha Testimonies Inspire Global Movement
Nihon Hidankyo, founded in 1956, emerged from the survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as victims of nuclear tests in the Pacific. The group has shared thousands of witness testimonies that expose the catastrophic humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons. These survivors, known as Hibakusha, have tirelessly campaigned to prevent the use of such weapons again. Through personal stories, resolutions, and participation in peace conferences, Nihon Hidankyo has become a powerful voice in the global anti-nuclear movement.
The Nobel Committee highlighted the significance of the Hibakusha’s role in shaping what is known as the “nuclear taboo,” a global norm that views the use of nuclear weapons as morally unacceptable. By educating the world about the unimaginable destruction caused by nuclear bombs, the survivors have helped build widespread opposition to their use.
Nuclear Taboo Faces Growing Pressure
The Nobel Committee expressed concern that this nuclear taboo is now under threat. While nuclear weapons have not been used in war for nearly 80 years, nuclear powers continue to modernise their arsenals, and new countries seek to acquire these weapons. The Committee warned that today’s nuclear weapons are even more powerful and pose an existential threat to humanity.
Nihon Hidankyo’s work, alongside other Hibakusha efforts, has contributed greatly to the global opposition to nuclear weapons. Although the survivors themselves will not be around forever, their legacy continues through educational campaigns and new generations committed to carrying forward their message of peace. However, the Committee stressed the urgency of continued efforts to uphold the nuclear taboo and prevent the catastrophic consequences of future nuclear conflict.
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