Nihon Hidankyo Wins 2024 Nobel Peace Prize
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese group of atomic bomb survivors, for their “extraordinary efforts” to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. The announcement was made in Oslo, Norway, recognizing the group’s significant contribution to establishing a nuclear taboo.
About Nihon Hidankyo
Nihon Hidankyo, formed in 1956, is the largest organization of atomic bomb survivors, known as Hibakusha, from Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The group has tirelessly campaigned for the abolition of nuclear weapons, using their painful experiences to advocate for peace.
Significance of the Award
The Nobel Committee highlighted the survivors’ role in demonstrating that nuclear weapons must never be used again. The award honors all atomic bomb survivors who have turned their suffering into a message of hope and peace.
Historical Context
Next year marks 80 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which killed an estimated 120,000 people. The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded 105 times since 1901, with Nihon Hidankyo joining a prestigious list of laureates.
Previous Laureates
In 2023, Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi received the prize for her work against the oppression of women in Iran. The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to 111 individuals and 31 organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Doubts Revealed
Nihon Hidankyo -: Nihon Hidankyo is a Japanese organization made up of people who survived the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. They work to promote peace and the elimination of nuclear weapons.
Nobel Peace Prize -: The Nobel Peace Prize is an award given every year to people or groups who have made significant efforts to promote peace in the world. It is one of the five Nobel Prizes established by the will of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor.
Nuclear Disarmament -: Nuclear disarmament means reducing or eliminating nuclear weapons to make the world safer. It involves countries agreeing not to use or keep nuclear bombs.
Oslo -: Oslo is the capital city of Norway, a country in Europe. It is where the Nobel Peace Prize is announced and awarded every year.
Hibakusha -: Hibakusha is a Japanese term used to describe the survivors of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These people have experienced the devastating effects of nuclear weapons firsthand.
Atomic Bombings -: The atomic bombings refer to the dropping of nuclear bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States during World War II in 1945. These bombings caused massive destruction and loss of life.