October 16, 2024
Tsuyoshi Masuda
President, Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions (Min-iren)

We sincerely congratulate the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Suffers Organization (Nihon Hidankyo) on being awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized Hibakusha’s contributions to the movement for the abolition of nuclear weapons, saying, “These historical witnesses have helped to generate and consolidate widespread opposition to nuclear weapons around the world by drawing on personal stories, creating educational campaigns based on their own experience, and issuing urgent warnings against the spread and use of nuclear weapons.”

It expresses concerns that nuclear powers are modernizing and upgrading their nuclear arsenals, that new countries are preparing to acquire nuclear weapons, and that threats are being made to use nuclear weapons in ongoing warfare. Noting that next year will mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, it warns, “Today’s nuclear weapons have far greater destructive power. They can kill millions and would impact the climate catastrophically. A nuclear war could destroy our civilisation.”

Calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the protection of peace and the environment in its mission statement, Min-iren has continuously worked with Hibakusha. We have always received courage from Hidankyo’s activities. Their efforts led to the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which is now the world’s hope for the abolition of such weapons.

Obsessed with nuclear deterrence, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba proposes “nuclear sharing” to bring U.S. nuclear weapons to Japan and repeatedly states that that does not violate Japan’s Three Non-Nuclear Principles. As the prime minister of the only A-bombed country, what he should do is join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

We will continue to work with all Hibakusha to oppose all war policies and to achieve a world without nuclear weapons.

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