The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, an organization of survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This award gives hope to survivors and relatives for a nuclear-free world and pressure on the Japanese government to sign the nuclear weapons ban treaty. The organization, comprised of atomic bombing survivors, has collected over 3 million signatures in favor of the treaty. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has faced criticism for refusing to sign the treaty, citing the lack of participation by nuclear-armed states. However, survivors argue that Japan should take a leading role in nuclear disarmament due to its history as the only country to have suffered atomic attacks.
Survivors believe the Nobel Peace Prize will impact global understanding of the inhumanity of nuclear weapons and urge the Japanese government to take action. Hiroshima Gov. Hidehiko Yuzaki and Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki, both advocates for nuclear disarmament and descendants of hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors), emphasized the importance of recognizing the suffering caused by nuclear weapons.
The bombings in 1945 killed a total of 210,000 people and left survivors with lasting health issues. Concerns remain among aging survivors on preserving their stories for future generations. The award to Hidankyo signifies a warning against increasing nuclear armament globally. The organization’s recognition on the international stage is seen as a step towards inspiring younger generations to work towards a nuclear-free world.
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