The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organisation representing survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in recognition of its activism against nuclear weapons.
Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, stated that the award was given as the “taboo against the use of nuclear weapons is under pressure.”
He expressed that the committee aims to honor all survivors who, despite their physical suffering and painful memories, have chosen to transform their experiences into hope and advocacy for peace.
Tomoyuki Mimaki, chairperson of Hidankyo, was present at Hiroshima City Hall for the announcement and reacted with joy and tears upon hearing the news.
“Is this really true? Unbelievable!” Mimaki exclaimed.
The Nobel committee has previously recognised efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons, awarding the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons with the peace prize in 2017, and in 1995, Joseph Rotblat and the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs were honoured for their work to reduce the role of nuclear arms in international politics and ultimately eliminate them.
