The Nobel Peace Prize for 2024 was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization of survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The committee recognized their activism against nuclear weapons, particularly in the current climate where the taboo against the use of nuclear weapons is under pressure. Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, expressed the importance of honoring survivors who have used their experiences to advocate for peace. Efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons have been recognized in the past, with previous laureates including the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons in 2017. This year’s prize was awarded amidst ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan.
The announcement of the Nobel Peace Prize was met with emotional reactions from members of Nihon Hidankyo, with Hiroshima branch chairperson Tomoyuki Mimaki expressing disbelief and joy. The recent shift in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which lowered the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, was highlighted as a concerning development by the committee. Efforts by organizations like Nihon Hidankyo are crucial to maintaining the international norm against the use of nuclear weapons, particularly in the context of escalating conflicts worldwide. The significance of the prize in advocating for peace and preserving the memory of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was underscored by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in accordance with Alfred Nobel’s will, which specified that the prize should recognize efforts towards fraternity between nations, reducing standing armies, and promoting peace congresses. Last year’s prize went to Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi for her advocacy of women’s rights, democracy, and against the death penalty. In a year marked by global conflicts, there was speculation about whether the prize would be awarded at all. Despite challenges around the world, the Norwegian Nobel Committee decided to honor the work of Nihon Hidankyo in the pursuit of nuclear disarmament.
The current global landscape has been marred by devastating conflicts, including the war in the Middle East, the conflict in Ukraine, and ongoing violence in Sudan. The conflict in the Middle East has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties, while the war in Ukraine, sparked by Russia’s invasion, has led to a significant loss of life. The ongoing humanitarian crises have highlighted the urgent need for peace and the prevention of further violence.
The Nobel Peace Prize carries a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million) and is awarded by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo. The announcement of the winner of the economics prize will mark the end of the Nobel season. The recognition of organizations like Nihon Hidankyo for their efforts in promoting peace and advocating against nuclear weapons serves as a reminder of the importance of preventing future conflicts and protecting the next generations from the horrors of war. The prize underscores the commitment to upholding the international norm against the use of nuclear weapons and the pursuit of a more peaceful world for all.
