Japanese Organization Nihon Hidankyo Wins 2024 Nobel Peace Prize
In a significant announcement, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize to the Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo. This grassroots movement, composed of survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, is recognized for its relentless efforts towards achieving a world free of nuclear weapons. The committee praised Nihon Hidankyo for its powerful advocacy and testimonies that emphasize the irreversible consequences of nuclear warfare.
Jørgen Watne Frednes, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, highlighted the organization's commitment to peace, stating, "Nihon Hidankyo demonstrates that nuclear weapons must never be used again." The organization has drawn parallels between the current global conflicts and the historical suffering endured by the hibakusha, as they refer to themselves. Notably, they have likened the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza to the situation in Japan 80 years ago, underscoring the dire need for peace and disarmament.
This year, the Nobel Committee reviewed 286 candidates, including 197 individuals and 89 organizations, whose identities will remain confidential for half a century. The award ceremony is set to take place on December 10, coinciding with the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death. Each Nobel Prize, excluding the economics category, is valued at 11 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to over $1 million. The ceremony will be held in Oslo, while other prizes will be awarded in Stockholm.
The decision to honor Nihon Hidankyo comes at a time of global turmoil, with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, famine in Sudan, and escalating climate-related challenges. The Nobel Peace Prize serves as a reminder of the importance of striving for a peaceful world, free from the threats of nuclear weapons.
