The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese grassroots organization made up of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, for its relentless efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. The Norwegian Nobel Committee commended the group for its powerful witness testimony, which emphasizes the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare.
Nihon Hidankyo, also known as the Hibakusha, was formed by survivors of the only two nuclear bombs ever used in war. These survivors have devoted their lives to advocating for nuclear disarmament.
“The Hibakusha help us comprehend the unimaginable suffering caused by nuclear weapons,” the committee said, announcing its decision in Oslo on Friday.
Dan Smith, director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), expressed his support for the award, stating, "The Hibakusha remind us daily that nuclear war can never be won and must never be fought."
The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 killed approximately 80,000 and 70,000 people instantly, respectively. In the years that followed, tens of thousands more died from radiation exposure.
The survivors, known as "hibakusha," suffered severe injuries and radiation sickness, with more than 160 people having endured both bombings. For years, their stories were largely ignored. In 1956, local hibakusha groups united to form Nihon Hidankyo, which has since collected countless witness accounts and advocated for nuclear disarmament at international forums.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hailed the Nobel Committee’s decision, calling it "extremely meaningful" recognition of Nihon Hidankyo's long-standing commitment to nuclear abolition.
This year's prize marks the 105th Nobel Peace Prize since 1901, and Nihon Hidankyo, the 141st laureate, will receive a cash award of around $1 million.
The committee highlighted that its decision aligns with Alfred Nobel's vision of promoting global peace, fraternity, and the reduction of military forces. Although Nobel’s will predates the existence of nuclear weapons, the prize has previously been awarded to individuals and organizations committed to nuclear disarmament, such as the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (2017) and the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs (1995).
Despite efforts to uphold the taboo against nuclear warfare, the committee noted that this prohibition is under pressure. Global powers continue to modernize their nuclear arsenals, with SIPRI estimating over 12,000 nuclear warheads globally, 9,585 of which are in military stockpiles. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threats to use nuclear weapons amid the Ukraine war further underscore the growing nuclear tensions.
Henrik Urdal, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, stressed that Nihon Hidankyo's message of disarmament remains vital in today's world, where the risk of nuclear conflict is rising. "In an era of AI-driven warfare, their call for disarmament is not only historical but crucial for our future," Urdal said.
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