The Nobel Peace Prize has been granted to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization representing survivors of the US atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The award has been given to acknowledge its advocacy against nuclear weapons.
Nobel Peace Prize in honour of the survivors
The chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Jorgen Watne Frydnes mentioned that the award was presented as the ”taboo against the use of nuclear weapons is under pressure.” He also wishes to honour all the survivors who have suffered physical pain and bore the traumatic experience but yet chosen to transform their experiences into power for hope and peace. The chairperson of Hindankyo, Tomoyuki Mimaki was very emotional after listening to the news and stated, ”Is it really true? Unbelievable!”.
Noble Committee seeks global awareness against nuclear weapons
The Noble Committee has earlier also recognized the efforts for eradicating nuclear arms. In 2017, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to an International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. The background for this year’s award is declared by keeping in mind the ongoing crisis in regions like Ukraine, Sudan, and the Middle East. Frydnes highlighted the increasing risks surrounding nuclear weapons, especially regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He stated, ”It is frightening to see how threats of use are destroying this norm.” He also stressed the significance of maintaining a strong global taboo against the use of nuclear weapons for the well-being of humanity.
According to Alfred Noble’s will, he specified that the Peace Prize should be conferred for efforts taken to promote brotherhood among nations, reducing the military forces and encouraging peace. Last year, Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi was recognized for her work in the field of women’s rights and democracy. Before the announcement, there had been much speculation about whether the Noble Committee would also present an award prize this year given global unrest. The Nobel Prize consists of a cash prize award of 11 million Swedish kronor about $1 million.
(With inputs from AP)