In a poignant ceremony held in Oslo, Norway, a 92-year-old Japanese man recounted the harrowing experiences he endured during the American atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945. The man, a survivor of the tragic event, accepted this year's Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots movement of Japanese atomic bombing survivors dedicated to advocating against the use of nuclear weapons.
The bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima in 1945 marked the first and only instances of nuclear weapons being used in warfare, resulting in the deaths of approximately 210,000 people by the end of that year. The long-term effects of radiation exposure have undoubtedly increased the death toll.
As the survivors of the atomic bombings enter the later stages of their lives, they are troubled by the apparent weakening of the taboo against the use of nuclear weapons. The 92-year-old survivor, in his acceptance speech, expressed deep concern over recent statements by nuclear-armed nations hinting at the potential use of such weapons in conflicts.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee's decision to award this year's prize to Nihon Hidankyo reflects the urgency of the current nuclear landscape. Committee members emphasized the need to heed the survivors' testimonies as nuclear threats continue to escalate globally.
The committee chair highlighted the lack of progress in nuclear disarmament efforts among the nine countries possessing nuclear weapons. He called upon the nuclear-armed states that are signatories to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to fulfill their obligations and urged other nations to ratify the treaty.
The survivor's vivid recollection of the Nagasaki bombing underscored the devastating impact of nuclear warfare on innocent civilians. His personal account of loss and suffering served as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to abolish nuclear weapons for the sake of humanity.
In conclusion, the survivor expressed hope that the collective efforts of citizens in nuclear-armed states and their allies would lead to a fundamental shift in nuclear policies, ultimately paving the way for a world free from the threat of nuclear annihilation.