OSLO, Norway: The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, known as Hibakusha. This prestigious accolade recognizes their relentless efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and their powerful witness testimonies that underscore the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare.
A Legacy of Pain and Advocacy
The Hibakusha, survivors of the only two nuclear bombs ever used in conflict, have dedicated their lives to advocating for a nuclear-free world. Their testimonies vividly describe the indescribable horrors and unimaginable suffering caused by nuclear weapons, serving as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for disarmament.
“The Hibakusha help us to describe the indescribable, to think the unthinkable, and to somehow grasp the incomprehensible pain and suffering caused by nuclear weapons,” stated the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
Historical Context and Continued Efforts
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has a history of highlighting the issue of nuclear weapons. In 2017, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) received the Nobel Peace Prize for similar efforts. This year, Nihon Hidankyo’s recognition continues this legacy, emphasizing the ongoing global struggle against nuclear armament.
The Selection Process
This year, the Nobel Institute considered 286 candidates for the Peace Prize, including 197 individuals and 89 organizations. The prize, valued at 11 million Swedish crowns (approximately $1 million), will be presented in Oslo on December 10, commemorating the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
Previous Laureates
Last year, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi for her courageous fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her relentless advocacy for human rights and freedom.
Nihon Hidankyo’s award not only honors their past but also reinforces the critical importance of their mission in today’s world. As nuclear threats loom, their voices remind us of the devastating human cost of these weapons and the imperative to strive for a peaceful, nuclear-free future.
