- Nihon Hidankyo, an organization of atomic bomb survivors, wins the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize.
- Rising global tensions, including Russia’s nuclear stance, heighten the threat of nuclear weapons.
- The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) applauds the win and calls for renewed action on nuclear disarmament.
Nihon Hidankyo, a group representing survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for its tireless activism against nuclear weapons.
This recognition comes at a time when the global risk of nuclear weapon use has escalated, with geopolitical conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, exacerbating the situation.
Nobel Prize Award to Japanese Group Signals Urgent Call for Nuclear Disarmament
The Norwegian Nobel Committee highlighted the significance of this award as nuclear weapon bans face increased pressure. With Russian President Vladimir Putin recently lowering the threshold for nuclear use, global concerns over the deployment of these weapons have surged. Nihon Hidankyo’s win reflects a larger global movement to combat this apathy and cultivate hope for a future free of nuclear arms.
The decision comes at a pivotal time in international politics. Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine, which lowers the threshold for using nuclear weapons, has raised alarm globally. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has heightened the possibility of nuclear escalation, prompting renewed focus on disarmament efforts. Nihon Hidankyo’s recognition brings attention to the urgency of addressing these dangers.
ICAN, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017 for its work in pushing forward the U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, celebrated Nihon Hidankyo’s victory. Daniel Hogsta, ICAN’s deputy director, noted that the award comes when public awareness of nuclear threats is fading, despite escalating risks. He emphasized the importance of nuclear disarmament efforts remaining a top global priority.
Through this recognition, Nihon Hidankyo continues to amplify the voices of hibakusha—survivors who suffered the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons. Their message serves as a reminder of the catastrophic human and environmental costs of nuclear arms and reinforces the pressing need for global action to prevent any future use.
Nihon Hidankyo’s Nobel Peace Prize win comes as a wake-up call to the world, urging governments and citizens alike to take decisive action in preventing nuclear warfare and ensuring a safer future.
“What Nihon Hidankyo have shown us… is that people and political leaders need to be motivated for action.” — Daniel Hogsta, deputy director of ICAN
