Japanese Organisation Nihon Hidankyo Awarded Nobel Peace Prize
Japanese organisation Nihon Hidankyo has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. As per the Norwegian Nobel Committee this grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as Hibakusha, is receiving the coveted peace prize from the international organisation for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again.
The Nobel Peace Prize for 2024 serves not only as an acknowledgment of Nihon Hidankyo’s pivotal role in advocating for a world free from nuclear weapons but also as a poignant reminder of the lessons learned from history, said a statement from the Nobel Committee.
In honouring Nihon Hidankyo, the Nobel Committee reaffirms its belief in the transformative potential of grassroots movements led by survivors. Their courage and resolve inspire a renewed commitment to peace and safety in our increasingly perilous world. The Peace Prize thus acts as both a tribute and a challenge, urging humanity to reflect on its past and to forge a future where nuclear weapons are but a relic of history, the statement said.
As the Hibakusha age and the direct witnesses of the atomic bombings fade, it becomes increasingly vital for future generations to carry forward their legacy. The testimony of survivors is not merely a recounting of suffering; it is a call to action, urging global society to recognise the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare.
Nihon Hidankyo’s efforts demonstrate the power of personal narratives to mobilise action and foster a global commitment to nuclear disarmament. Their ongoing campaigns and dialogues, particularly at international forums like the United Nations, are crucial in reminding world leaders of their responsibility to future generations.
As the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings approach, the world is called to remember, to learn, and to act—ensuring that the sacrifices of Hibakusha lead not to a repeat of history but to lasting peace.
