The Nobel Peace Prize for 2024 has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization composed of survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, for its relentless activism against nuclear weapons. The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award last Friday, citing the organization’s efforts to keep the dangers of nuclear arms at the forefront of global discussions.
Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Nobel Committee, stated that the award was especially significant given the current “pressure on the taboo against the use of nuclear weapons.” This concern comes amidst the escalating rhetoric surrounding nuclear armament, particularly following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent shift in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which has lowered the threshold for nuclear weapons use.
“The atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as the hibakusha, are selfless, soul-bearing witnesses of the horrific human cost of nuclear weapons,” said U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement congratulating Nihon Hidankyo. He added, “Nuclear weapons remain a clear and present danger to humanity.”
Emotional Response from Nihon Hidankyo
In Hiroshima, Toshiyuki Mimaki, chairperson of Nihon Hidankyo’s local branch, was visibly moved upon hearing the announcement. “Is it really true? Unbelievable!” Mimaki exclaimed, as tears filled his eyes at the city hall where he awaited the news.
The organization has been advocating for the total abolition of nuclear weapons since its founding in 1956, seeking to address the health problems of bomb survivors and raise awareness of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare.
A Legacy of Anti-Nuclear Advocacy
The Nobel Committee has recognized efforts to eradicate nuclear weapons multiple times. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017. In 1995, Joseph Rotblat and the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs were honored for their work in reducing the role of nuclear weapons in international politics. Beatrice Fihn, former ICAN executive director, expressed deep emotion over Nihon Hidankyo’s recognition, calling it a significant moment in their shared struggle.
“We are partners in this fight,” Fihn said, adding that the hibakusha “know nuclear weapons the best. They know how it feels like, how it looks like, how it smells when your city is burning from nuclear weapons use.”
Global Context and Continuing Tensions
The prize comes during intense conflict in several regions, including Ukraine and the Middle East. Watne Frydnes noted the increasing global tensions involving nuclear threats, particularly from Russia and the ongoing war in Gaza. The Israeli military continues its conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, while Iran, a staunch supporter of both Hamas and Hezbollah, has fired ballistic missiles at Israel.
“The threats of using nuclear weapons are putting pressure on the important international norm against their use,” Frydnes remarked, reinforcing the Nobel Committee’s belief that honoring the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki will help preserve this fragile international consensus.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added her voice to the conversation, stating, “The spectre of Hiroshima and Nagasaki still looms over humanity. This Nobel Peace Prize sends a powerful message. We have the duty to remember and an even greater duty to protect future generations from the horrors of nuclear war.”
The prize includes an award of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million). As per Alfred Nobel’s wishes, the Nobel Peace Prize is decided by a five-member Norwegian committee and awarded in Oslo.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
