By Lucy Adautin
Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese association representing atomic bomb survivors, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize.
The group, composed of those who survived the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, was honored by the Norwegian Nobel Committee for its dedicated work in advocating for the elimination of nuclear weapons globally.
Nobel Committee Chair Joergen Watne Frydnes said the group had “contributed greatly to the establishment of the nuclear taboo”.
Frydnes warned that the global “nuclear taboo” is now “under pressure,” while commending Nihon Hidankyo’s use of survivor testimonies to ensure nuclear weapons are never used again.
Established in 1956, the organization sends atomic bomb survivors across the globe to share their personal stories of the “horrific destruction” and suffering caused by nuclear weapons, according to its website.
Their mission began nearly a decade after the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Nihon Hidankyo has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize “many times” over the years, including in 2005, when the Norwegian Nobel Committee gave the group a special mention, as noted on its site.
On August 6, 1945, a US bomber dropped a uranium bomb over Hiroshima, killing an estimated 140,000 people. Three days later, a second nuclear bomb struck Nagasaki. Japan surrendered two weeks later, bringing an end to World War II.
Speaking to reporters in Japan, a tearful Toshiyuki Mimaki, the co-head of the group, said, “Never did I dream this could happen”.
Mimaki criticised the idea that nuclear weapons bring peace. “It has been said that because of nuclear weapons, the world maintains peace. Nuclear weapons can be used by terrorists”.
The decision to recognise Nihon Hidankyo means the Nobel committee has steered away from more controversial nominees for the peace prize.
There had been widespread speculation the United Nations agency supporting Palestinians – UNWRA – was being considered for the prize.
Despite being the primary provider of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, nine members of the organization were dismissed for allegedly participating in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 last year.
A petition with over 12,000 signatures had called on the committee not to grant the Nobel Prize to UNRWA.
Concerns were also raised regarding the nomination of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as the UN’s main judicial body is currently reviewing claims that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. The ICJ has already urged Israeli authorities to avoid genocidal acts.
This year, the Norwegian Nobel Institute revealed that 286 candidates were nominated for the Peace Prize, including 197 individuals and 89 organizations.
Nominations are submitted by individuals in influential positions, such as members of national assemblies, governments, and international courts.
