The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize: Japanese NGO Nihon Hidankyo's Unexpected Triumph

Recognising decades of advocacy by atomic bomb survivors, Nihon Hidankyo's Nobel Peace Prize win highlights their unwavering fight for a world free of nuclear weapons.

The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize: Honouring Nihon Hidankyo's Tireless Efforts

On October 11, 2024, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese grassroots organisation representing the atomic bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In recognising this collective, the Norwegian Nobel Committee highlighted the organisation’s enduring efforts towards the elimination of nuclear weapons and its role in preserving the personal testimonies of Hibakusha—the survivors of the bombings. Nihon Hidankyo’s award is not just an acknowledgment of its anti-nuclear advocacy, but a testament to the power of witness testimony in global peacebuilding.

The Origins and Mission of Nihon Hidankyo

Nihon Hidankyo—formally the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organisations—was established on August 10, 1956, in the wake of the catastrophic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which occurred 11 years earlier. Hibakusha, the survivors of the atomic bombings, faced not only the physical and psychological trauma of radiation exposure but also societal ostracisation. In this environment, Nihon Hidankyo emerged as a powerful collective, advocating for the rights and welfare of the Hibakusha.

At its core, Nihon Hidankyo has three primary objectives:

1. Advocating for the Welfare of the Hibakusha: Ensuring that atomic bomb survivors receive adequate medical care, social security, and compensation.

2. Campaigning for the Elimination of Nuclear Weapons: Working both domestically and internationally to foster a world where nuclear weapons are abolished.

3. Preserving and Sharing the Testimonies of Hibakusha: Ensuring that the world does not forget the human consequences of nuclear warfare, and that the survivors' experiences are remembered for future generations.

Decades of Advocacy and Influence

For nearly seven decades, Nihon Hidankyo has played a pivotal role in the global anti-nuclear movement. Their advocacy spans both the personal—through the lived experiences of survivors—and the political, pushing for international treaties and domestic reforms. The impact of Nihon Hidankyo can be felt across five key areas:

1. Advocacy for Survivor Rights

In its early years, Nihon Hidankyo focused on securing basic rights for Hibakusha, who faced extensive discrimination in employment, marriage, and health care. The Japanese government, slow to acknowledge its responsibility, was initially reluctant to provide any form of compensation or medical assistance to the survivors.

Through persistent advocacy, Nihon Hidankyo pushed the government to enact legislation such as the Act for Atomic Bomb Sufferers' Medical Care in 1957, which established free medical services for survivors. This was followed by the Atomic Survivor's Assistance Act in 1994, which expanded support for Hibakusha, including regular health check-ups and mental health care services. The group has also secured various financial compensation packages for survivors, though it continues to press for greater recognition of the survivors' sacrifices.

2. Influence on International Nuclear Disarmament Efforts

Nihon Hidankyo's greatest contribution to global peace has been its relentless advocacy for the abolition of nuclear weapons. The organisation has a longstanding presence at international forums such as the United Nations and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review conferences. Each year, Hibakusha have travelled to New York to give personal testimony, often shaking the room with their visceral accounts of the bombings' aftermath. These stories not only kept the horror of nuclear warfare fresh in the minds of diplomats but also built pressure on nuclear-armed states to honour their commitments towards disarmament.

The survivors’ stories have been vital in maintaining the "nuclear taboo"—the international norm against the use of nuclear weapons. Nihon Hidankyo has been instrumental in shaping public opinion worldwide, stressing that nuclear weapons are not just a political or military issue but a humanitarian one. Their work helped to stigmatise the use of nuclear weapons as morally reprehensible.

3. Support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)

Nihon Hidankyo played a pivotal role in the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which was passed by the United Nations in 2017. The treaty represents the first legally binding international agreement that comprehensively bans nuclear weapons, making their development, testing, stockpiling, and use illegal under international law.

Hibakusha testimonies were central to the push for this treaty. As the survivors of the world’s only nuclear attacks, their words carried undeniable weight in debates over the treaty’s necessity. Nihon Hidankyo’s efforts helped galvanise public support and sway many governments that were previously hesitant to support such a strong measure against nuclear weapons.

4. Educational and Memory Preservation Initiatives

As the Hibakusha population dwindles with time, Nihon Hidankyo has intensified efforts to ensure that their voices are heard by future generations. The organisation coordinates various educational initiatives, including school visits, documentary projects, and publications that detail the harrowing experiences of survivors. These programmes reach both Japanese and international audiences, ensuring that the lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain at the forefront of public consciousness.

One of Nihon Hidankyo’s most impactful initiatives is its involvement in the "No More Hibakusha" movement, which focuses on raising awareness about the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and preventing future generations from experiencing the horrors of nuclear warfare.

5. Humanitarian and Political Diplomacy

Nihon Hidankyo has consistently served as a moral and humanitarian compass in diplomatic discussions about nuclear disarmament. Its annual delegations to international peace conferences and regular meetings with government officials have elevated the Hibakusha as global symbols of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons. Nihon Hidankyo has also been an advocate for building bridges between nations, particularly in Asia, where memories of World War II have sometimes complicated diplomatic relations. Their message has consistently been one of peace, reconciliation, and the elimination of all forms of nuclear armament.

The Nobel Prize: A Recognition of Timeless Efforts

The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize serves as a fitting recognition of Nihon Hidankyo’s work, but it is also a sobering reminder of the global nuclear threat that persists. The organisation’s award comes at a time when the world is witnessing renewed tensions between nuclear-armed states, including modernisation efforts in countries like Russia, the United States, China, and North Korea, alongside regional conflicts that carry the risk of nuclear escalation.

The Nobel Committee, in its citation, acknowledged that the Hibakusha would not be with us forever. By awarding the prize to Nihon Hidankyo, it has ensured that their stories, advocacy, and message will live on and continue to inspire future generations. Hibakusha have often been described as “witnesses to the end of the world”—a world that, through their activism, they have worked tirelessly to prevent.

Reflections on the Political Nature of the Nobel Prize

While Nihon Hidankyo’s contributions are beyond dispute, the Nobel Peace Prize has often been subject to political considerations, leading to significant omissions. One of the most glaring examples is Mahatma Gandhi, who was never awarded the prize despite being the epitome of non-violent resistance and a lifelong advocate for peace. The fact that Gandhi was overlooked while other political figures were chosen raises questions about the intersection of politics and Nobel deliberations.

Nevertheless, Nihon Hidankyo’s recognition stands as a reminder of what is at stake. Their enduring message—rooted in the lived trauma of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—compels us to confront the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons. In honouring them, the Nobel Committee reinforces the message that nuclear disarmament is not merely an idealistic aspiration but a humanitarian imperative.

Summing Up

The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, is a profound recognition of their unyielding commitment to a nuclear-free world. Through the powerful testimonies of the Hibakusha, Nihon Hidankyo has kept alive the memory of the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ensuring that the lessons of history are not forgotten. As nuclear risks continue to loom large in global geopolitics, the work of Nihon Hidankyo remains not only relevant but crucial in shaping a more peaceful future. This award is a poignant reminder of the power of grassroots movements, the importance of historical memory, and the enduring hope for a world without nuclear weapons.