In a world of wars and conflicts, The red button everyone fears is nuclear weapons. The Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo, winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, brings together survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki attacks. They are campaigning for countries to get rid of these weapons that would lead the world to self-destruction.
After the direct destruction of the explosion, the consequences were dramatic due to the pollution they left behind. First-hand accounts from those affected tell how they experienced first-hand the event that shocked the country and its aftermath is heartbreaking.
These survivors are known as hibakusha. In recent months, they have signed statements against testing in the United States or Russia. Of course, the awards committee emphasized that despite the escalation of armaments, countries’ efforts not to use nuclear weapons in the numerous conflicts that have broken out. Nuclear energy has a an important role in the energy transitionbut it also makes these missiles easier to manufacture.
Founded in 1956, Nihon Hidankyo is the Japan’s only national organization that brings together survivors of these nuclear disasters. These weapons have become even more relevant in the current context of international tensions, where the threat of nuclear conflict is more palpable than ever. This time the cry to eliminate them The speaker won this prestigious award. next year will mark the 80th anniversary of the explosion more destructive.
Their other requirement is that they recognize the responsibility of the Japanese government to have entered the war, to recognize the damage caused and to finance assistance programs for hibakusha.
The “Hibakusha” law
Even though it continues to reject its share of responsibility, the Japanese government has had to accept certain assertions of the Japanese government. Nihon Hidankyo like the Law of Medical care in 1957 wave Exposed Bombs Act of 1968.
In 1994, the Atomic Bomb Survivor Assistance Act was approved, although it provided no financial assistance to those affected and did not recognize government responsibility. That same year, the organization of Nihon Hidankyo was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for the first time.
Current state of Hiroshima Dome
The chairman of the committee, Jorgen Watne Frydnes, wanted to mention at the award ceremony the increasing pressure he is experiencing “the nuclear red line“, the standard that declares the use of nuclear weapons as “morally unacceptable“.
“Nuclear powers are modernizing and improving their arsenals,” he said, “new countries are preparing to acquire nuclear weapons and threaten to use them. At this moment in history, it is appropriate to remember what nuclear weapons are: the most destructive the world has ever seen“reports Europe Press
The Nobel Peace Prize
The Peace Prize is the fifth of the prizes announced so far, following those in medicine, physics, chemistry and literature, and follows that awarded in 2023 to Narges Mohammadi, the Iranian activist who received the prize from his prison.
This warrior’s fight for women’s rights came up against the wall of the ayatollahs. She was arrested 13 times, sentenced to 154 lashes and 31 years in prison. She also campaigned against the death penalty, the use of torture and sexual violence against women.
The essence of award requests the commitment of individuals and organizations it can make a difference in war situations. This year, the committee wants to honor survivors who, Despite the physical and emotional damage, they wanted to set an example for themselves so this won’t happen again.
There were other candidates for this prize such as UNRWA, for the defense of the Palestinian people and against the massacre in the Middle East, or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Soon, there will be no one left who can remember it first hand, one of the most destructive events ever seen. With this award, they hope we won’t forget how harmful great power used irresponsibly can be.
