On October 11, 2024, the Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its relentless advocacy for a world free from nuclear weapons. This prestigious honor recognizes the group’s significant efforts in raising awareness about the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare, particularly through the powerful testimonies of atomic bomb survivors, known as Hibakusha, from Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The announcement was made at the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo, highlighting the profound legacy of those who have experienced the horrors of nuclear attacks. Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots movement formed by survivors, has dedicated itself to educating the public and policymakers about the urgent need for nuclear disarmament and the imperative that nuclear weapons must never be used again.
In a time marked by renewed tensions surrounding nuclear proliferation, the Nobel Committee’s decision to honor Nihon Hidankyo underscores the growing recognition of the need for sustained efforts toward peace and disarmament in an increasingly volatile world. Last year, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Narges Mohammadi, an imprisoned Iranian women’s rights advocate, reflecting the committee’s commitment to highlighting voices advocating for fundamental human rights.
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The Nobel Peace Prize, exclusively awarded in Oslo, comes with a cash prize of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.1 million) and a medal, which will be presented on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. This year, 286 candidates, including 197 individuals and 89 organizations, were nominated for the prestigious honor.
As Nihon Hidankyo prepares to accept the award, their recognition serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of survivor narratives in shaping public discourse on nuclear disarmament. Their message resonates globally, advocating for a future where the horrors of nuclear war are not repeated, but instead transformed into a collective commitment to peace and justice.
Established in 1895 by the will of Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Prize recognizes significant contributions in six categories: Peace, Literature, Chemistry, Physics, Physiology or Medicine, and Economic Sciences. Each laureate receives a medal, a diploma, and a cash prize, with the awards presented annually in Stockholm, Sweden, except for the Peace Prize, awarded in Oslo.
