Japanese Bomb Survivors Win Peace Prize for Nuclear Disarmament Work

On Friday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, a group of Japanese survivors from the U. S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This honor recognizes their continuous efforts to eradicate nuclear weapons. Jørgen Watne Frydnes, the chair of the committee, stated that the prize aimed to highlight the survivors' valuable work in promoting peace despite their personal struggles. Tomoyuki Mimaki, the chairperson of Hidankyo's Hiroshima branch, was overjoyed upon hearing the news. "It can't be true! " he exclaimed, tears of joy filling his eyes. This prize comes at a time when international norms against nuclear weapon use are under pressure, especially due to recent statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The committee's decision reflects the broader context of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. The prize sends a powerful message about the urgency of preventing nuclear war. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of remembering the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the duty to protect future generations from similar tragedies. Previous recipients of the prize have also focused on nuclear disarmament, such as the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons in 2017 and Joseph Rotblat and the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs in 1995. The prize highlights the persistent threats of nuclear weapons and the need to maintain an international taboo against their use. The conflict in Ukraine, along with other global tensions, underscores the alarming rise in nuclear threats. The Nobel Peace Prize, carrying a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million), serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for global peace and nuclear disarmament.