The 2023 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian human rights advocate, for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her efforts to promote human rights and freedom for all.
The Nuclear Attack on Japan
On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped “Little Boy” on Hiroshima, causing massive destruction. More than 70,000 individuals died instantly, with the total death toll exceeding 100,000. Shortly after, on August 9, 1945, the U.S. dropped “Fat Man” on Nagasaki, leading to 40,000 immediate deaths and thousands more in the following weeks. Japanese Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, warning that continued fighting could lead to the “total extinction of human civilization.”
How Hibakusha Advocate for Nuclear Disarmament
The Hibakusha have been instrumental in advocating for nuclear disarmament since the bombings. The United States’ decision to use atomic bombs has faced criticism from strategic and ethical perspectives due to its devastating human cost. In the aftermath, many global powers raced to develop their own nuclear arsenals as a deterrent.
In response, a global disarmament movement arose, with Nihon Hidankyo at the forefront. The organization claims to be the only nation-wide organization of survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Its objectives include promoting the welfare of Hibakusha, advocating for the elimination of nuclear weapons, and seeking compensation for victims. By sharing the experiences of survivors, Nihon Hidankyo raises awareness about the damage and after-effects of atomic bombings, both in Japan and globally. Their efforts, including sending A-bomb survivors to the United Nations and nuclear-armed states, have helped establish a nuclear taboo, preventing the use of such weapons since 1945.
Other Awardees for Nuclear Disarmament
Several Nobel Peace Prizes have been awarded for efforts in disarmament. Notably, Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato received the prize in 1974 for Japan’s non-nuclear weapons policy. In 2017, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) was recognized for its work to prohibit nuclear weapons and highlight their humanitarian consequences. ICAN has worked alongside Nihon Hidankyo to document the devastating effects of nuclear weapons.