Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization composed of survivors of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2024 on Thursday, October 10th.
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The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized the efforts of this movement, known as Hibakusha, for their tireless work to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for their struggle to raise awareness about the devastating effects of these weapons.
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The decision was announced in Oslo, where the Committee emphasized the importance of the work of the Hibakusha in sharing their personal experiences, generating strong global opposition against nuclear weapons. "They have been historical witnesses to the indescribable and have helped consolidate global opposition to the use and proliferation of these weapons," highlighted the official statement.
A warning legacy against nuclear destruction
The Nobel Committee highlighted that the organization has been key in creating educational campaigns that warn about the risks of nuclear weapons, based on the direct experience of those who suffered the consequences. "The Hibakusha have allowed the world to understand, through their testimonies, the immeasurable pain and suffering caused by these weapons, and why they should never be used again," the Committee stated.
Since the nuclear attacks of 1945, the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have dedicated their lives to preventing history from repeating itself. The bombings carried out by the United States during World War II left at least 120,000 dead immediately, and thousands more died in the months and years that followed due to injuries and radiation.
The Committee also expressed concern about the current context, in which the development of nuclear weapons is on the rise. “New countries seem to be preparing to acquire nuclear weapons, while in active conflicts there have been threats of their use,” they warned in the statement.