Nobel Peace Prize laureate has been announced
The prize in 2024 was given 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 organization Nihon Hidankyo represents survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Their activities have contributed to the establishment of "the nuclear taboo," which is now facing pressure amid the modernization of nuclear arsenals and threats of their use.
The committee emphasizes the importance of preserving the memory of the tragedy and continuing the fight for nuclear disarmament, which is a necessary condition for a peaceful future for humanity.
BREAKING NEWSThe Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2024 #NobelPeacePrize to the Japanese organisation Nihon Hidankyo. This grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as Hibakusha, is receiving the peace prize for its… pic.twitter.com/YVXwnwVBQO
— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 11, 2024
The Norwegian Nobel Committee highlights one encouraging fact: nuclear weapons have not been used in wars for nearly 80 years.
"The extraordinary efforts of Nihon Hidankyo and other representatives of the Hibakusha have contributed greatly to the establishment of the nuclear taboo. It is therefore alarming that today this taboo against the use of nuclear weapons is under pressure.
The nuclear powers are modernising and upgrading their arsenals; new countries appear to be preparing to acquire nuclear weapons; and threats are being made to use nuclear weapons in ongoing warfare. At this moment in human history, it is worth reminding ourselves what nuclear weapons are: the most destructive weapons the world has ever seen," the press release said.
Next year will mark 80 years since two atomic bombs killed about 120,000 residents of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
"The core of Alfred Nobel’s vision was the belief that committed individuals can make a difference. In awarding this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to honour all survivors who, despite physical suffering and painful memories, have chosen to use their costly experience to cultivate hope and engagement for peace.
Nihon Hidankyo has provided thousands of witness accounts, issued resolutions and public appeals, and sent annual delegations to the United Nations and a variety of peace conferences to remind the world of the pressing need for nuclear disarmament," the committee added.