Nihon Hidankyo Delegation to Attend Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony
Nihon Hidankyo, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, has announced plans to send a delegation of 31 members to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, Norway, on December 10. The organization, which represents hibakusha—survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—has long advocated for the abolition of nuclear weapons, emphasizing the personal experiences of those who endured the devastating effects of nuclear warfare.
Composition of the Delegation
The delegation will include:
- Three co-chairpersons of Nihon Hidankyo
- Hibakusha
- Children of atomic bomb survivors
The group will also feature a survivor from Brazil and another from South Korea, highlighting the international aspect of their advocacy. The delegation is scheduled to depart Japan on December 8, returning on December 12, with plans to participate in various events in Norway. These events will focus on raising awareness about nuclear disarmament and sharing the personal stories of survivors with local students.
Key Attendees and Their Role
Among the attendees, UN Under-Secretary-General Nakamitsu Izumi and Kawasaki Akira, an International Steering Group member of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), will be present. ICAN was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017 for its efforts in promoting nuclear disarmament.
The co-chairpersons of Nihon Hidankyo will take center stage during the ceremony, with Tanaka Terumi, a 92-year-old hibakusha who survived the Nagasaki bombing, scheduled to deliver a speech reflecting the ongoing struggle for nuclear abolition.
Advocacy for Nuclear Disarmament
Nihon Hidankyo’s participation in the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony underscores the global conversation about nuclear weapons and the voices of those directly impacted by their use. The organization has played a crucial role in advocating for a world free of nuclear arms, urging governments and international bodies to recognize the humanitarian consequences of nuclear warfare.
Through their journey to Oslo, these hibakusha aim not only to honor their past but also to inspire future generations to work towards lasting peace and disarmament.
