The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, the Japanese organization representing Hibakusha, or atomic bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This award acknowledges the group’s decades-long commitment to promoting global nuclear disarmament and preventing the horrors of nuclear warfare from recurring. Founded in 1956, Nihon Hidankyo has consistently advocated for the abolition of nuclear weapons, leveraging the powerful testimonies of atomic bomb survivors to raise awareness about the catastrophic impact of nuclear warfare.

The Nobel Committee highlighted Nihon Hidankyo’s pivotal role in establishing the global “nuclear taboo,” which refers to the strong international stance against the use of nuclear weapons. The Hibakusha have played a critical part in this movement by sharing their first-hand accounts of suffering and devastation, serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of nuclear conflict.

As the world approaches the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings, this award is a profound recognition of the survivors’ legacy and a call to action for continuing efforts toward nuclear non-proliferation. In an era where nuclear threats continue to rise, Nihon Hidankyo’s mission is more relevant than ever, urging global powers to take concrete steps toward a future free from the shadow of nuclear weapons.