The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization representing survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, known as Hibakusha. We offer our enthusiastic congratulations.
This grassroots movement is being recognized for its tireless efforts to advocate for a nuclear-weapon-free world and for bringing realism to the humanitarian impacts of the horror of the bomb.
Following the atomic bombings in August 1945, a global campaign emerged to raise awareness about the severe humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons. Over time, a strong international norm has developed, rejecting the use of such weapons on moral grounds, often referred to as “the nuclear taboo.”
The testimony of the Hibakusha—those who survived the bombings—has played a crucial role in strengthening global opposition to nuclear weapons. By sharing their personal stories, launching educational initiatives, and issuing warnings against nuclear proliferation and use, these survivors have helped the world grasp the unimaginable suffering caused by nuclear weapons.
As the world approaches the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings, it is crucial to reflect on their devastating effects. The initial blasts claimed the lives of an estimated 120,000 people in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, with many more dying in the aftermath due to burns and radiation. Modern nuclear weapons are far more powerful, with the potential to cause immense destruction and trigger a global climate disaster. A nuclear war could end civilization as we know it.
For many years, the suffering of Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors was overlooked. In 1956, local Hibakusha groups, along with those affected by nuclear tests in the Pacific, came together to form the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, or Nihon Hidankyo. This organization became the largest and most influential Hibakusha group in Japan.
Alfred Nobel believed in the power of individuals to effect change. By awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, the Norwegian Nobel Committee honors all survivors who, despite their suffering, have turned their painful experiences into a force for peace and hope.
Nihon Hidankyo has provided thousands of witness testimonies, passed numerous resolutions, and sent annual delegations to the United Nations and peace conferences to remind the world of the urgency of nuclear disarmament.
Though the Hibakusha will one day no longer be with us, their legacy endures. New generations in Japan are preserving their memory and continuing their work to promote peace and prevent the use of nuclear weapons. In this way, they help maintain the nuclear taboo, essential for a peaceful future for humanity.
This year’s Nobel Peace Prize aligns with Alfred Nobel’s vision of recognizing those whose efforts most benefit humanity, joining a distinguished group of laureates committed to nuclear disarmament and arms control.
It is worth noting the history of Nobel Peace Prizes given to individuals and organizations focused on the abolition of nuclear weapons — Linus Pauling (1962), Eisaku Sato (1974),
Alva Myrdal and Alfonso García Robles (1982), International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (1985), Joseph Rotblat and the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs (1995),International Atomic Energy Agency (2005), President Barack Obama (2009), International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (2017).
We recommend the excellent New York Times report on this award and the awardee.
We believe in the motto of GSI’s founder, Sen. Alan Cranston: “Nuclear weapons are unworthy of civilization.” In that regard Mr. Granoff has written a substantive and, although decades old, highly relevant law review article regarding the legal, ethical and moral aspects of the bomb to which we urge your attention.
John Hallam has written an insightful article regarding where we are today.
Tariq Rauf highlights in clear language the policies in place that exacerbate the ever present hazard of nuclear catastrophe in an article appropriately titled Tickling the Tail of the Promethean Nuclear Fire Dragon.
Jonathan Granoff, President of the Global Security Institute (GSI), serves as Senior Advisor and Special Representative to the United Nations for the World Summits of Nobel Peace Laureates as well as Senior Advisor to the Committee on National Security of the International Law Section of the American Bar Association. GSI’s Board of Advisors has a history of Nobel Peace Prize recipients, all passionately supportive of the cause of the elimination of nuclear weapons, including Oscar Arias, former President of Costa Rica; Mikhail Gorbachev (deceased), former President of the Soviet Union; and Sir Joseph Rotblat (deceased), President of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs and Rigoberta Menchu Tum, civil rights activist from Guatamala. It is worth noting the strong Final Statements of the Nobel Peace Laureates coming from their Summits and their consistent advocacy for progress on the elimination of nuclear weapons.
The Global Security Institute is dedicated to strengthening international peace and security based on co-operation, diplomacy, shared interests, the rule of law and universal values. Our efforts are guided by the skills and commitment of our team of former heads of state, distinguished diplomats and politicians, celebrities, religious leaders, Nobel Peace Laureates, disarmament and legal experts, and concerned informed citizens. Our focus is on controlling and eliminating humanity’s greatest threat – nuclear weapons.
