In a momentous recognition of their unwavering dedication to peace and nuclear disarmament, Nihon Hidankyo (The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations) has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. For decades, the organization has been at the forefront of the global fight against nuclear weapons, carrying forward the harrowing testimonies of hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) and advocating for a world free of nuclear threats. This honor reflects not only the significance of their mission but also their resilience in turning personal tragedy into a powerful call for peace.
Founded in 1956, Nihon Hidankyo is the only national organization of hibakusha, survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Its mission has always been clear: to work for the total abolition of nuclear weapons while providing support and recognition for the atomic bomb survivors. Over the years, Nihon Hidankyo has collected and shared the firsthand experiences of hibakusha, promoting awareness of the catastrophic human and environmental consequences of nuclear warfare.
At the core of their activism is the deeply held belief that no one should suffer as they have. Nihon Hidankyo’s work has included public testimonies, campaigns for disarmament treaties, and participation in international conferences, such as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Through their tireless advocacy, they have kept the horrors of nuclear war at the forefront of global consciousness and inspired multiple generations of activists.
Nihon Hidankyo’s leadership, often composed of hibakusha themselves, has shown remarkable commitment to both peace and justice. One of the key figures is Terumi Tanaka, a Nagasaki survivor who has been a prominent leader within the organization for decades. He has continuously emphasized the importance of hibakusha testimonies in shaping international nuclear disarmament efforts, stating, “Our stories are not just memories; they are warnings to the world.”
Tanaka, along with other leaders such as Setsuko Thurlow, a Hiroshima survivor and global nuclear disarmament advocate, has been a guiding force behind the organization’s initiatives. Thurlow, who was instrumental in the creation of the TPNW, stated upon hearing about the Nobel Peace Prize: “This is a victory not only for the hibakusha but for all of humanity. Our message has been heard, and it is a message of hope: the hope that the world will one day be free from nuclear weapons.”
In awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, the Nobel Committee acknowledged their significant role in advancing nuclear disarmament through grassroots activism, survivor testimonies, and consistent diplomatic engagement. In their statement, the committee highlighted how the organization’s efforts have contributed to the growing global consensus against nuclear weapons, referencing the adoption of the TPNW in 2017 as a crucial milestone in this journey.
Nobel Committee Chair Berit Reiss-Andersen remarked, “Nihon Hidankyo’s work reminds us of the real, human cost of nuclear weapons. Their dedication to preventing future generations from experiencing the same suffering is a true act of peace.”
This Nobel Peace Prize serves as a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable destruction, the human spirit can persevere and seek a better future. For the hibakusha, many of whom are now in their later years, this award symbolizes a lifelong struggle that has transcended personal pain to advocate for the survival of humanity itself.
In their response to the Nobel Prize, Nihon Hidankyo reiterated their hope for future generations. “This is not just an award for us, but for the children of the world. We believe this recognition will further strengthen efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons,” the organization said in a collective statement.
As Nihon Hidankyo continues its mission, this Nobel Peace Prize shines a spotlight on the critical work that remains in achieving global nuclear disarmament. Their legacy serves as both a warning and a hope—warning us of the devastation nuclear weapons bring, and offering hope that a nuclear-free world is possible through the collective will of people dedicated to peace.
Press release from Nobel Foundation.