Terumi Tanaka (centre), co-chairperson of Nihon Hidankyo and other senior members attend a press conference in Tokyo on October 12, a day after the organization won the Nobel Peace Prize. (AP Photo)
As the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize is bestowed upon Nihon Hidankyo — the Japanese federation of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki — the world is prompted to confront a critical juncture in the pursuit of global peace. These survivors, known as the Hibakusha, are living witnesses to the unimaginable devastation wrought by nuclear weapons. They have transformed their personal tragedies into a powerful movement against nuclear proliferation. By courageously sharing their harrowing experiences, they have made the abstract horrors of nuclear war palpable, especially to younger generations who might otherwise be detached from such realities. Their stories are not mere recollections of past atrocities but urgent warnings about the catastrophic consequences that nuclear weapons pose —consequences that transcend national borders and span generations.
International law plays a pivotal role in this struggle against nuclear armament. Legal instruments like the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) aim to curtail the development, stockpiling, and potential use of nuclear arsenals. These treaties are essential for promoting global transparency, building trust among nations, and establishing mechanisms for enforcement. The Hibakusha’s unwavering activism has significantly influenced the formation and strengthening of these international laws, ensuring that the legal case against nuclear weapons is grounded in the stark realities of their experiences. A landmark moment in this legal battle was the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) Advisory Opinion on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons in 1996. The ICJ concluded that the threat or use of nuclear weapons generally violates international law applicable in armed conflict, particularly humanitarian principles. However, the Court stopped short of declaring such use illegal in all circumstances, leaving ambiguity that underscores the need for clearer international norms and the complete abolition of nuclear weapons.
Despite the fact that nuclear weapons have not been used in conflict for nearly eight decades — a testament to the efforts of Nihon Hidankyo and like-minded organisations — the current global landscape is unsettling. Nuclear-armed nations are modernising their arsenals, new states are pursuing nuclear capabilities, and threats to deploy these weapons have become alarmingly casual in international discourse. This erosion of the long-standing taboo against nuclear weapons highlights the urgency of the Hibakusha’s message. Founded in 1956, Nihon Hidankyo united local associations of atomic bomb survivors and victims of nuclear testing in the Pacific. Over the years, they have shared thousands of personal accounts, issued public appeals, and participated in international peace conferences. Their dedication has kept the issue of nuclear disarmament at the forefront of global consciousness, influencing both public opinion and policymaking.
By channelling their suffering into a relentless pursuit of peace, the Hibakusha embody the essence of what the Nobel Peace Prize seeks to honour: Individuals and groups who, through extraordinary effort, contribute to the abolition of weapons and fostering peace. As the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings approaches, the Hibakusha’s message gains renewed significance. Today’s nuclear weapons are exponentially more destructive than those used in 1945. A single detonation could result in millions of deaths and trigger environmental catastrophes with the potential to destabilise global climate systems. The stark reality is that a nuclear war could threaten the very existence of human civilisation.
The path forward requires unwavering global cooperation. Nations must recommit to international treaties like the NPT and TPNW and actively support organisations dedicated to disarmament. Public engagement is crucial; an informed and mobilised citizenry can exert pressure on governments to prioritise the elimination of nuclear weapons, transforming disarmament from a legal obligation into a moral imperative.The legacy of the Hibakusha extends beyond their own lifetimes. While the survivors themselves will not be with us forever, their stories and messages continue through a strong culture of remembrance. New generations, both in Japan and around the world, are taking up the mantle, educating others, and advocating for a nuclear-free future. This ongoing commitment is essential for maintaining the taboo against nuclear weapons.
Awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo is not merely a recognition of past achievements but a clarion call to action. It emphasises the urgent need for collective efforts to prevent the horrors experienced by the Hibakusha from ever occurring again. By embracing their message and taking decisive action, we honour their sacrifices and fulfil our shared responsibility to safeguard future generations. The choice confronting humanity is stark: Continue down a path that risks mutual destruction or unite in the pursuit of a peaceful, nuclear-free world. The Hibakusha have shown us the way forward through their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to peace. It is incumbent upon all of us — governments, international organisations, and individuals — to answer their call and work tirelessly to make the abolition of nuclear weapons a reality.
The writer, an LLM (Felix Scholar) from SOAS, University of London, is an advocate
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
First uploaded on: 17-10-2024 at 12:48 IST
