The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo, as reported by Tengrinews.kz.
The prize for 2024 was given for "efforts to promote a world without nuclear weapons and testimonies about the devastating consequences of their use."
Nihon Hidankyo represents survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Their work has contributed to the establishment of a "nuclear taboo," but today this taboo is under pressure amid the modernization of nuclear arsenals and threats of their use.
The committee emphasizes the importance of remembering the tragedy and continuing the fight for nuclear disarmament, which is a necessary condition for a peaceful future for humanity.
BREAKING NEWS
— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 11, 2024
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2024 #NobelPeacePrize to the Japanese organisation Nihon Hidankyo. This grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as Hibakusha, is receiving the peace prize for its… pic.twitter.com/YVXwnwVBQO
The Norwegian Nobel Committee notes one encouraging fact: nuclear weapons have not been used in wars for nearly 80 years.
"The outstanding efforts of Nihon Hidankyo and other representatives of Hibakusha have significantly contributed to establishing the nuclear taboo. However, today this taboo is under pressure.
Nuclear powers are modernizing and updating their arsenals, new countries are eager to acquire nuclear weapons, and threats of their use are heard in current conflicts. At this moment in human history, it is important to remind ourselves that nuclear weapons are the most destructive means the world has ever seen," the press release states.
Next year marks the 80th anniversary of the two atomic bombs that killed approximately 120,000 residents of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
"The central idea of Alfred Nobel was the belief that active individuals can change the world. By awarding the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize to the organization Nihon Hidankyo, the Norwegian Nobel Committee aims to honor all survivors who, despite physical suffering and painful memories, chose to use their bitter experiences to inspire hope and a desire for peace.
Nihon Hidankyo has provided thousands of testimonies, issued resolutions and public appeals, and sent annual delegations to the UN and various peace conferences to remind the world of the necessity of nuclear disarmament," the committee added.
It is worth noting that earlier the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for work in protein molecules to three scientists. The award was shared by David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John M. Jumper.