The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded Friday to a Japanese organization of survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded Friday to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization of survivors from the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in recognition of its decades-long activism against nuclear weapons.
Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said the award was given because the « taboo against the use of nuclear weapons is under pressure. »
« The Nobel committee wishes to honor all survivors who, despite physical suffering and painful memories, have chosen to use their costly experience to cultivate hope and engagement for peace », Frydnes said.
Hidankyo chairperson Tomoyuki Mimaki, who was at Hiroshima City Hall when the announcement was made, cheered and teared up upon receiving the news.
« Is it really true? Unbelievable! » Mimaki screamed.
Efforts to eradicate nuclear weapons have been previously recognized by the Nobel committee. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons received the peace prize in 2017, and in 1995, Joseph Rotblat and the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs were honored for « their efforts to diminish the part played by nuclear arms in international politics and, in the longer run, to eliminate such arms.
