Japanese group that survived the World War II atomic bomb has won the 2024 Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize after several decades of being nominated without a fruitful result. The group is made up of survivors of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The prize was awarded to them in recognition of their contributions to ensuring that they used their testimonies to enhance the prohibition of Nuclear weapons worldwide. The group was established in 1956 with the ultimate aim of sending its members across the world to share testimonies about the “atrocious damage” caused by nuclear weapons and the suffering that it necessitated.
Toshiyuki Mimaki, the organization’s co-head, spoke to the AFP news agency on Thursday. He said, “Never did I dream this could happen.” He criticized the notion that Nuclear weapons could be used to maintain peace, not considering the immeasurable damage they tend to cause.
According to an AFP reporter, Mr Mimaki said, “It has been said that because of nuclear weapons, the world maintains peace. But terrorists can use nuclear weapons.” He acknowledged the Nobel committee for their decision to recognise Nihon Hidankyo after several decades and said it signifies that the “Nobel committee has steered away from more controversial nominees for the Peace Prize.”
There were about 286 nominations for this year’s Peace Prize, comprised of 197 individuals and 89 organisations worldwide.
