Japanese atomic bomb survivors win Nobel Peace Prize
Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization representing atomic bomb survivors, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize.
Known as hibakusha, these survivors of the 1945 bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have been recognized by the Norwegian Nobel Committee for their efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons worldwide.
Nobel Committee Chair Joergen Watne Frydnes stated that the group has “contributed significantly to establishing the nuclear taboo.” He cautioned that this “nuclear taboo” is currently “under pressure” and commended the organization’s use of survivor testimonies to advocate against the use of nuclear weapons.
Founded in 1956, the organization sends survivors globally to share their experiences of the “atrocious damage” and suffering caused by nuclear weapons, as stated on their website. Their advocacy began nearly a decade after the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
On August 6, 1945, a U.S. bomber dropped a uranium bomb over Hiroshima, resulting in the deaths of around 140,000 people. Three days later, a second nuclear weapon was dropped on Nagasaki, leading to Japan’s surrender two weeks later and the conclusion of World War II.
In an emotional statement to reporters in Japan, Toshiyuki Mimaki, the co-head of the group, expressed, “Never did I dream this could happen,” according to the AFP news agency.
Mr Mimaki criticised the idea that nuclear weapons bring peace. “It has been said that because of nuclear weapons, the world maintains peace. But nuclear weapons can be used by terrorists,” Mr Mimaki said, according to reports by AFP.
In a BBC interview last year, he said despite only being three years old at the time the nuclear bomb hit Hiroshima – he could still remember dazed and burnt survivors fleeing past his home.
The prize – which consist of a diploma, a gold medal and a sum of $1m (£765,800) – will be presented at a ceremonies in Oslo in December, marking the anniversary of the death of the scientist and prize creator Alfred Nobel.
The group has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize “many times” in the past, including in 2005 when it received a special mention by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, its website says.
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 – UNRWA – was being considered for the prize.
Although the organisation is the main provider of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, nine of its members were fired for alleged involvement in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 last year.
More than 12,000 people had signed a petition urging the committee not to award UNRWA the prize.
There were equal concerns about the nomination of the International Court of Justice.
The UN’s main judicial organ is currently considering allegations that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza and has already issued a statement urging the Israeli authorities to refrain from genocidal acts.
But while giving the prize to Nihon Hidankyo may be a non-controversial choice, it could also focus global attention on the threat of nuclear conflict which overshadows the fighting in both Ukraine and the Middle East.
Throughout Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, its leaders have repeatedly hinted that they may be ready to use tactical nuclear weapons if western allies increase their support for Ukraine in a way Russia considers unacceptable.
These threats have succeeded in restraining western support for fear of escalation.
In the Middle East, the subtext for much of Israel’s strategy is the fear that Iran is seeking nuclear capability, something Tehran denies.
The Nobel committee’s decision may renew a debate about the use of nuclear weapons at a time when some countries look enviously at their deterring power.
This year’s peace prize had 286 nominations, a number comprising 197 individuals and 89 organisations.
Nominations can be made by people in positions of significant authority, including members of national assemblies, governments and international courts of law.
Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi won the prize in 2023, when she was honoured for her work fighting the oppression of women in Iran.
Ms Mohammadi is currently being held in Evin prison in Tehran, having already spent 12 years in jail serving multiple sentences related to her activism.