The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization of atomic bomb survivors who have spent nearly seven decades campaigning for the abolition of nuclear weapons. The recognition came during a poignant ceremony in Oslo, where three survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki accepted the prestigious prize on behalf of the organization.

Among the representatives was Terumi Tanaka, a 92-year-old survivor of the Nagasaki bombing, who made a fervent plea for the abolition of all nuclear weapons. Addressing a global audience, he drew attention to the grave danger posed by an estimated 4,000 nuclear warheads that are ready for immediate deployment worldwide.

Terumi Tanaka: A survivor of the Nagasaki bombing.

Tanaka explained that the devastation witnessed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki could be magnified hundreds or even thousands of times with the current arsenal. He urged collective action to create a world free of nuclear weapons and war, stressing the critical need to safeguard humanity from the catastrophic consequences of such arms

Nihon Hidankyo’s mission to prevent the use of nuclear weapons has taken on a renewed urgency as the remaining survivors of the atomic bombings, often referred to as hibakusha, near the end of their lives. For decades, they have shared their testimonies, seeking to create a lasting taboo against the use of nuclear weapons.

However, this moral boundary appears increasingly fragile. Tanaka expressed his deep concern about recent developments, including threats by nuclear powers to use such weapons in conflicts. He cited the ongoing war in Ukraine, where Russia has alluded to its nuclear capabilities, and comments by a government official in Israel suggesting the potential use of nuclear weapons amidst escalating violence in Gaza.

Tanaka expressed profound sadness and anger over the growing threat to the nuclear taboo, urging global leaders to learn from the lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Nihon Hidankyo, also known as the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, was established in 1956 as a grassroots movement to amplify the voices of atomic bomb survivors. Through education, advocacy, and public engagement, the group has sought to ensure that the horrors of nuclear war are neither forgotten nor repeated.

For nearly 70 years, the organization has worked tirelessly to preserve the legacy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki while advocating for nuclear disarmament. Its efforts include lobbying international bodies, participating in peace conferences, and sharing survivor testimonies to humanize the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons.

The Nobel Committee’s decision to honor Nihon Hidankyo comes at a pivotal moment as global nuclear threats continue to escalate. Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, emphasized the importance of paying attention to the testimonies of the hibakusha and drawing lessons from their experiences.

He pointed out that nine nations currently possess nuclear weapons: the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea, and remarked that none of them appear to be genuinely committed to nuclear disarmament or arms control.

Instead, these nations are modernizing and expanding their arsenals, further escalating the risk of a nuclear catastrophe. This stark reality has heightened the need for renewed international efforts to address the nuclear threat.

Frydnes called upon the five nuclear-armed states that are signatories to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to fulfill their disarmament obligations under the treaty. He also urged other nations to ratify the agreement, emphasizing its importance as a framework for reducing nuclear risks.

The NPT, signed in 1968, is a landmark treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons while promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy. However, the slow progress toward disarmament has raised questions about the treaty’s effectiveness.

One of Nihon Hidankyo’s most impactful strategies has been the sharing of hibakusha testimonies. Survivors like Terumi Tanaka have recounted the unimaginable suffering caused by the atomic bombings to foster a global understanding of the stakes involved in nuclear warfare.

The stories of hibakusha are not merely historical accounts but vivid reminders of the human cost of nuclear weapons. From witnessing the instantaneous destruction of entire cities to enduring lifelong health complications caused by radiation exposure, these testimonies have become a cornerstone of the global disarmament movement.

As the hibakusha age, there is a growing concern that their firsthand experiences will fade from public consciousness. Nihon Hidankyo has worked to preserve these stories through recordings, publications, and public events, ensuring that their message remains relevant to future generations.

The recent geopolitical climate has underscored the fragility of the global consensus against the use of nuclear weapons. With superpowers modernizing their arsenals and invoking nuclear threats, the specter of a nuclear conflict looms larger than ever.

Russia’s implied threats during its war in Ukraine and provocative statements from other nations highlight the alarming erosion of the nuclear taboo. These developments underscore the need for a renewed commitment to disarmament and arms control.

Nihon Hidankyo’s recognition by the Nobel Committee serves as a rallying cry for the international community to redouble its efforts toward a world free of nuclear weapons. Achieving this vision will require collective action, political will, and a steadfast commitment to the principles of peace and disarmament.

Grassroots organizations like Nihon Hidankyo play a vital role in advancing the cause of nuclear disarmament. By mobilizing public opinion and holding governments accountable, these groups help bridge the gap between lofty international agreements and tangible action.

In accepting the Nobel Peace Prize, Nihon Hidankyo and its representatives have delivered a clear message: the time to act is now. As nuclear dangers grow, the world must not forget the lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Through advocacy, education, and international cooperation, it is possible to build a future where the horrors of nuclear war remain a relic of the past. Nihon Hidankyo’s decades-long struggle serves as both an inspiration and a challenge to all who believe in the possibility of a peaceful world.