Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organisation leading the fight against the catastrophic effects of nuclear weapons, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. This prestigious award was granted in recognition of their relentless efforts to create a nuclear-free world and their staunch advocacy against the use of such devastating weapons. The Nobel Committee highlighted Nihon Hidankyo’s contributions to raising international awareness of the moral and humanitarian consequences of nuclear armament.
Unique Testimony of the Hibakusha
The announcement was made during a press conference held in Oslo, the capital of Norway. The Nobel Committee noted that Nihon Hidankyo is a movement formed by survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, known as Hibakusha. Their experiences offer a unique testimony about the horrors of nuclear warfare, serving as a reminder of the critical need for a global stance against nuclear weapons. Their stories have laid the foundation for what is now referred to as the “nuclear taboo,” a powerful ethical standard that opposes the use of these weapons.
Nuclear Taboo: A Strong Ethical Norm
The members of Nihon Hidankyo have worked tirelessly to inform the world about the devastating humanitarian consequences of nuclear bombings. According to the Nobel Committee, their efforts helped establish an international norm that considers the use of nuclear weapons morally unacceptable. This evolving norm has since become a crucial deterrent in global politics, known as the nuclear taboo, which discourages the use of these catastrophic weapons in warfare.
80 Years Without Nuclear Weapon Use
The Nobel Committee highlighted that the world has not seen the use of nuclear weapons in warfare for nearly 80 years, largely due to the extraordinary efforts of Nihon Hidankyo and the Hibakusha. This achievement underscores the enduring importance of the nuclear taboo in maintaining global peace. However, the Committee expressed concern that this taboo is now under pressure, with increasing threats of nuclear weapon use in ongoing conflicts, posing a serious risk to global security.
The Ongoing Threat of Nuclear Weapons
Current conflicts have raised threats of nuclear weapon use, signalling a need for renewed global attention on the issue. The Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Nihon Hidankyo serves as a reminder of the profound dangers these weapons pose to humanity. The award not only honours past efforts but also calls for a sustained commitment to nuclear disarmament, emphasising the importance of ridding the world of such destructive arms.
Nobel Peace Prize Legacy
In 2023, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi for her fight for women’s rights in Iran. This year, the prize continues its tradition of honouring individuals and groups working for global peace, by recognising Nihon Hidankyo’s struggle against the spread of nuclear weapons. Their mission is not only rooted in the pain of the past but also in a determined hope for a safer, nuclear-free future.
