Nobel Peace Prize 2024: Japanese Atomic Bomb Survivors Group Nihon Hidankyo Awarded for Advocacy Efforts

Oslo, Norway — In a historic decision that underscores the ongoing global struggle against nuclear proliferation, the Nobel Peace Prize for 2024 was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations. The prestigious accolade honors the group’s tireless advocacy for nuclear disarmament and its unwavering commitment to representing the voices of atomic bomb survivors (Hibakusha).

Announcing the award at a ceremony in Oslo, the Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Nihon Hidankyo’s longstanding efforts to raise awareness about the catastrophic human and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons. The organization was lauded for its role in preserving the testimonies of Hibakusha, who experienced the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, and for its continued efforts to promote international peace and security.

“The suffering of Hibakusha and the courageous struggle of Nihon Hidankyo serve as a powerful reminder of the devastation caused by nuclear weapons and the imperative to ensure that such horrors are never repeated,” said Berit Reiss-Andersen, Chair of the Nobel Committee. “Their advocacy has kept the memory of the atomic bombings alive for nearly eight decades and continues to shape global discourse on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.”

A Legacy of Advocacy and Resilience

Founded in 1956, Nihon Hidankyo is the only national organization representing the survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. The group’s mission extends beyond advocating for the well-being and rights of Hibakusha, focusing also on the abolition of nuclear weapons worldwide. With a membership comprising thousands of survivors and supporters, the organization has been instrumental in securing healthcare support for Hibakusha and ensuring that their experiences are included in global discussions on peace and security.

For decades, Nihon Hidankyo has actively engaged with international organizations, including the United Nations and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), a previous Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Through these partnerships, the group has contributed to significant milestones, such as the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in 2017.

The Nobel Committee highlighted Nihon Hidankyo’s role in raising awareness about the humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons, stressing the importance of their continued advocacy amidst rising geopolitical tensions and the risk of nuclear conflict.

Hibakusha’s Voices Resonate Globally

Reacting to the announcement, Nihon Hidankyo’s representatives expressed gratitude and reiterated their commitment to advocating for nuclear disarmament. "This award is not just a recognition of our efforts but a tribute to the Hibakusha who have dedicated their lives to warning the world about the dangers of nuclear weapons," said Terumi Tanaka, one of the group’s leaders and a Hiroshima survivor.

Tanaka, who has shared his story with international audiences for over five decades, emphasized the urgency of the disarmament agenda. “We must remember that nuclear weapons are not just weapons of mass destruction—they are weapons of mass suffering. The Nobel Peace Prize strengthens our resolve to continue advocating for a world free of nuclear arms.”

Global Reactions and Future Implications

The decision to honor Nihon Hidankyo has drawn praise from world leaders and peace advocates across the globe. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, himself a native of Hiroshima, congratulated the group and emphasized the importance of their work. “The Hibakusha’s experiences are a powerful testament to the horrors of nuclear weapons, and this award is a call to the international community to redouble its efforts towards nuclear disarmament,” Kishida stated.

ICAN also welcomed the Nobel Committee’s decision, describing it as a significant boost for the disarmament movement. “Nihon Hidankyo’s contributions to the nuclear disarmament agenda are invaluable. Their advocacy ensures that the human dimension of nuclear weapons remains at the forefront of global policy discussions,” the organization said in a statement.

As Nihon Hidankyo receives global recognition for its efforts, experts believe the Nobel Prize will reinvigorate discussions on nuclear disarmament, particularly at a time when global nuclear stockpiles remain high and new threats are emerging. The award is expected to put pressure on nuclear-armed states to engage in disarmament talks and could influence upcoming international negotiations.

A New Chapter in the Fight for Peace

The Nobel Peace Prize for 2024 symbolizes more than just an acknowledgment of past suffering; it represents a clarion call for a future devoid of nuclear threats. For Nihon Hidankyo and the Hibakusha, the fight for peace continues, driven by a deep-seated belief in the need to eliminate nuclear weapons and to honor the memories of those lost in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

As the world reflects on this year’s laureate, the message from the Hibakusha remains clear: the lessons of the past must guide us towards a more peaceful and secure future, where the horrors of nuclear war are relegated to history, never to be repeated.