“Today’s Nobel Peace Prize award to Nihon Hidankyo comes at a crucial time when countries are modernizing their nuclear arsenals, and threats of use by traditional and emerging nuclear powers are alarmingly on the rise. Nihon Hidankyo's work reminds us of the devastating human cost of nuclear weapons, a message we cannot ignore.
In an era where automated weapon systems and AI-driven warfare are emerging, their call for disarmament is not just historical—it is a critical message for our future.
This prize highlights the need for global cooperation to steer humanity away from another world war and towards lasting global peace."
Background on laureate
Nihon Hidankyō is a Japanese group founded in 1956 to advocate for the rights of survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Known as hibakusha, these survivors have faced long-term health and societal challenges due to radiation exposure. Nihon Hidankyō plays a central role in raising awareness about the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons, pushing for nuclear disarmament, and ensuring government support for medical care and compensation for hibakusha. The organization remains a powerful voice in the global anti-nuclear movement.
More information
- To arrange an interview with PRIO's Director, Henrik Urdal, please contact Communication Adviser, Agnete Schjønsby. Mobile: +47 905 71 503; email: agnete@prio.org.
- A list of previous shortlists for the Nobel Peace Prize are available at the PRIO website.
- More information about PRIO's Director, Henrik Urdal, is available here.
