The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization composed of survivors from the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, recognizing their advocacy against nuclear weapons. The announcement was made by Jørgen Watne Frydnes, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, highlighting the growing pressure on the longstanding taboo surrounding nuclear weapons.
In recent developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed a shift in Russia’s nuclear strategy, which seems directed at deterring the West from supporting Ukraine with longer-range weaponry. This alteration in doctrine appears to raise the likelihood of potential nuclear weapon use by Russia.
Frydnes expressed the committee’s intention to honor those who have experienced the physical and emotional scars left by the bombings, stating that survivors have chosen to transform their painful experiences into a message of hope and the pursuit of peace.
Toshiyuki Mimaki, the chairperson for Nihon Hidankyo’s Hiroshima branch, was overwhelmed with joy upon hearing the news, exclaiming, “Is it really true? Unbelievable!”
The Nobel committee has previously recognized efforts to abolish nuclear arms; notable past recipients include the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) in 2017 and Joseph Rotblat along with the Pugwash Conferences in 1995 for their contributions to reducing the role of nuclear weapons in political affairs.
Beatrice Fihn, who led ICAN when it was awarded the Nobel Prize, remarked that the honor bestowed upon Nihon Hidankyo was deeply emotional, emphasizing the unique perspective the survivors hold regarding nuclear weapons and their devastation.
This year’s award comes amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. Frydnes noted the alarming rhetoric surrounding nuclear weapons and its implications on global security, stressing the need to maintain a strong international taboo against their use.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed on X that “the spectre of Hiroshima and Nagasaki still looms over humanity,” underscoring the vital role of Nihon Hidankyo’s advocacy. She referred to the Nobel Peace Prize as a powerful reminder of society’s obligation to remember and safeguard future generations against nuclear warfare’s horrors.
The devastation wrought by atomic bombings on Nagasaki and Hiroshima at the end of World War II saw tens of thousands of lives lost, leading to Japan’s surrender. Nihon Hidankyo, established in 1956, represents those impacted by the bombings and aims for government support addressing health complications faced by survivors.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres honored the hibakusha, or atomic bomb survivors, in his statement, calling them witnesses to the significant human cost associated with nuclear weapons. He emphasized that these weapons pose a present danger to humanity and urged world leaders to acknowledge their lethal nature.
Alfred Nobel, in his will, instructed that the Peace Prize be awarded for outstanding contributions to international goodwill, disarmament, and the promotion of peace dialogues. Last year’s prize recognized Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi for her work advocating women’s rights and opposing the death penalty within her country.
Given the current state of global affairs, there were concerns the Norwegian Nobel Committee might refrain from bestowing a prize this year, as the prize has been withheld in the past, including during both World Wars. The last occurrence of this was in 1972.
The ongoing violence in the Middle East has resulted in staggering casualties, with recent conflicts intensifying following an attack by Hamas militants on Israel, prompting broader military actions across the region. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the war has claimed over 42,000 lives, including many women and children. In Lebanon, over 1,400 fatalities have been recorded since Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah escalated.
In Ukraine, the devastating effects of the Russian invasion continue as the brutal conflict approaches its third winter, resulting in significant loss of life on both sides. Official figures indicate over 11,000 confirmed civilian deaths; however, the actual numbers could be much higher.
The Nobel Prizes come with a monetary award of 11 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to $1 million. Unlike other awards, which are announced in Stockholm, the Peace Prize is uniquely awarded in Oslo by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. The Nobel season will conclude with the announcement of the Economics Prize next week.
This version corrects the name of Nihon Hidankyo’s Hiroshima branch chairperson to Toshiyuki Mimaki.
