International: In a landmark decision, the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to *Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization representing the survivors of the *Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized the group’s decades-long efforts to promote global nuclear disarmament and prevent the use of nuclear weapons, honoring their tireless advocacy.
Founded in 1956, Nihon Hidankyo consists of Hibakusha, survivors of the 1945 atomic bombings. For nearly 70 years, the organization has worked to share the firsthand experiences of these survivors, educating global audiences about the devastating humanitarian consequences of nuclear warfare.
Their ongoing work has been instrumental in shaping and sustaining the global norm against the use of nuclear weapons, often referred to as the “nuclear taboo.”
The Nobel Committee emphasized the importance of the award at a time of increasing tensions among nuclear-armed nations, citing growing concerns over the modernization of nuclear arsenals and threats to use these weapons in current geopolitical conflicts.
The prize serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war, underscored by the horrifying toll of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, which claimed an estimated 120,000 lives immediately, with thousands more affected by radiation in the months and years that followed.
As the Hibakusha community ages, the urgency of Nihon Hidankyo’s mission grows. The organization is now focused on ensuring that future generations continue to learn from the past, carry forward the message of peace, and advocate for a world free of nuclear weapons.
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