2024 Nobel Peace Prize Honors Atomic Bomb Survivors

Hiroshima, Japan after the atomic bombing

War Department. U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey. Pacific Survey. Physical Damage Division.

The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, the largest organization of survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.

In announcing the award,the Norwegian Nobel Committee highlighted the Nihon Hidankyo's global impact through sharing their story of the atomic bombing. “These historical witnesses have helped to generate and consolidate widespread opposition to nuclear weapons around the world by drawing on personal stories, creating educational campaigns based on their own experience, and issuing urgent warnings against the spread and use of nuclear weapons. The Hibakusha help us to describe the indescribable, to think the unthinkable, and to somehow grasp the incomprehensible pain and suffering caused by nuclear weapons.”

“The atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as the Hibakusha, are selfless, soul-bearing witnesses of the horrific human cost of nuclear weapons” said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in congratulations to the awardees. He continued, “Their haunting living testimony reminds the world that the nuclear threat is not confined to history books.”