Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Japanese atomic bomb survivors' group for nuclear disarmament efforts

The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organisations, known as Nihon Hidankyo, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its relentless campaign to rid the world of nuclear weapons.

This recognition comes just one year before the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, at a time when global concern over the potential use of nuclear weapons is growing.

The Nobel committee highlighted Nihon Hidankyo’s work, stating the organization has tirelessly advocated for nuclear disarmament by sharing the powerful testimonies of hibakusha, or survivors of the 1945 bombings, which has helped galvanize global opposition to nuclear arms. These survivors have drawn on their personal experiences to educate others and issue urgent warnings about the devastation that nuclear weapons can cause, reported The Guardian.

The committee emphasized that although nuclear weapons have not been used since World War II, the "taboo" against their use is under threat.

The rising tensions in regions such as Ukraine, with Russian President Vladimir Putin refusing to rule out the use of tactical nuclear weapons, and North Korea's ongoing nuclear developments, underscore this concern.

Toshiyuki Mimaki, the 81-year-old co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo, expressed hope that this recognition would bolster their cause, stating that nuclear weapons do not bring peace but pose a global threat, potentially even being used by terrorists. Mimaki underscored the risk of nations like Russia or Israel deploying nuclear weapons in current conflicts, warning that such actions would lead to catastrophic consequences far beyond the immediate battlefield.

Mimaki’s comments challenge the notion that nuclear weapons are necessary for maintaining global stability, a belief held by some nations, including Japan, which relies on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for its defense. Japan has yet to sign the 2021 treaty banning nuclear weapons, a point of contention among critics.

The death toll from the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 was staggering, with an estimated 140,000 and 74,000 lives lost respectively by the end of the year. To date, the total number of people officially recognized as having died from the bombings has risen to 344,306 in Hiroshima and 198,785 in Nagasaki.

With the average age of survivors nearing 86, the Nobel Committee emphasized the importance of preserving their stories for future generations.

Nihon Hidankyo’s Nobel Peace Prize marks a significant milestone in their mission, inspiring continued efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. As the hibakusha age, the torch is being passed to new generations, ensuring that the message of nuclear disarmament remains at the forefront of global discussions.