In an inspiring recognition of resilience and activism, the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization made up of survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These survivors, known as Hibakusha, have spent decades raising awareness about the devastating impact of nuclear weapons and advocating for their elimination.
Let’s dive into how this group’s powerful message continues to shape global views on nuclear disarmament.
Who are the Hibakusha?
The Hibakusha are survivors of the atomic bombings that took place during World War II in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Nihon Hidankyo, founded in 1956, represents these individuals and has been at the forefront of efforts to educate the world about the horrors of nuclear warfare. The group has tirelessly campaigned against the use and proliferation of nuclear weapons, sharing their personal stories to highlight the urgent need for global nuclear disarmament.
In the Nobel Committee’s announcement, they emphasized the importance of these testimonies: “These historical witnesses have helped generate and strengthen broad opposition to nuclear weapons worldwide, relying on personal stories and educational campaigns to issue urgent warnings against the spread and use of nuclear arms.”
The legacy of nuclear disarmament
By awarding the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, the Norwegian Nobel Committee also wanted to send a message of hope. It highlighted the fact that no nuclear weapons have been used in war for nearly 80 years—a testament to the efforts of groups like Nihon Hidankyo. However, the committee also warned of the increasing pressure on this nuclear taboo, with global powers modernizing their arsenals and new nations showing interest in acquiring nuclear capabilities.
“Nuclear powers are modernizing and upgrading their arsenals, new countries seem prepared to develop nuclear weapons, and threats to use nuclear weapons are being made in ongoing conflicts,” the committee noted. At this critical juncture in human history, it’s essential to remember what nuclear weapons represent: the most destructive tools the world has ever known.
A look at past Nobel Peace Prize winners
Last year, the Nobel Peace Prize went to Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi, who is currently imprisoned for her fight against Iran’s compulsory hijab law and her opposition to the death penalty. Mohammadi’s courageous activism earned her global recognition, shining a light on the human rights abuses occurring in Iran.
Nobel Prize winners in 2024
This year’s Nobel Prize announcements kicked off on October 7 with the award for medicine, which went to Americans Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNA, a new class of tiny RNA molecules.
The following day, on October 8, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Geoffrey Hinton, a British-Canadian, and John Hopfield, an American. Both have worked on machine learning, a key area for the advancement of artificial intelligence, but they have also raised concerns about the potential risks of AI, warning that this technology could spiral out of control.
On October 9, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to David Baker from the United States and a duo consisting of John Jumper, another American, and British scientist Demis Hassabis, for their groundbreaking work on decoding the secrets of proteins using AI and computational methods.
The Nobel Prize in Literature, announced on October 10, went to South Korean author Han Kang, making her the first person from South Korea to win the prestigious award. Kang, aged 53, also became the 18th woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.
As always, the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, which was added in 1969, will wrap up the announcements next Monday.
What does winning a Nobel Prize mean?
Nobel Prize winners receive a diploma, a gold medal, and a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (roughly €970,000 or $1.03 million). The official Nobel Prize ceremony takes place on December 10 each year.
Conclusion: A powerful reminder of the human cost of nuclear warfare
The awarding of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact nuclear weapons can have. While much progress has been made in preventing their use in conflict, the work of organizations like Nihon Hidankyo is more important than ever as global tensions and nuclear threats rise. The Hibakusha’s testimony ensures that the world never forgets the true cost of nuclear war and serves as a call to action for future generations.
Fact check
- Nihon Hidankyo’s involvement: Verified. Nihon Hidankyo is a prominent organization of Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors, advocating for nuclear disarmament.
- Nobel Peace Prize awarded in Oslo: True. The Nobel Peace Prize is the only one of the Nobel awards presented in Oslo, with others being awarded in Stockholm.
- Nuclear weapons taboo: Confirmed. The Nobel Committee highlighted that nuclear weapons have not been used in conflict for almost 80 years, thanks to efforts like those of the Hibakusha.
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