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The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization of atomic bomb survivors, for their unwavering efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons globally. The announcement comes at a critical time when nuclear tensions are escalating in various global conflicts.
Founded in 1956, Nihon Hidankyo has spent decades documenting and sharing the devastating impact of atomic warfare. The group's co-chair, Toshiyuki Mimaki, who survived the Hiroshima bombing as a three-year-old, expressed emotional disbelief at the recognition. "Never did I dream this could happen," he stated, emphasizing the organization's stance against the notion that nuclear weapons ensure peace.
The historical context of their work is profound. On August 6, 1945, approximately 140,000 people perished when the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Three days later, Nagasaki faced a similar fate, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II. Dr. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientific director of the Manhattan Project, later reflected, "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds," highlighting the moral weight of nuclear capabilities.
According to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, there are currently an estimated 12,500 nuclear warheads globally. Nobel Committee Chair Joergen Watne Frydnes emphasized the timely nature of this award, noting that the "nuclear taboo" is "under pressure" in today's geopolitical climate. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has previously stated that "the only guarantee of safety is the elimination of nuclear weapons."
The selection of Nihon Hidankyo over more controversial nominees, such as UNRWA and the International Court of Justice, reflects the Committee's focus on long-term peace advocacy. The $1 million prize will be presented in Oslo this December, coinciding with the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death.
While tensions rise in Ukraine and the Middle East, with nuclear threats looming, the testimonies of hibakusha remain crucial. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) reports that nine countries still possess nuclear arsenals, despite global efforts toward disarmament. This award amplifies the voices of survivors who, through their lived experiences, advocate for a world free from the shadow of nuclear warfare.
