Grassroots movement of Hibakusha recognized for sharing personal testimonies to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons
Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Japan; Santa Fe, NM; Seattle, WA, October 15, 2024 – Today the Partnership for a World Without Nuclear Weapons (PWNW), a Catholic partnership building a voluntary international network to protect all life and the environment from all forms of nuclear harm, commends The Norwegian Nobel Committee’s selection of Nihon Hidankyo for the Nobel Peace Prize 2024.
“How fitting that during this time of heightened geopolitical tension, the work of the hibakusha organizations represented by Nihon Hidankyo since 1956 is being spotlighted by this prestigious award,” said Archbishop John C. Wester, of Santa Fe. “The survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings continue to put a human face on the tragedy of war and, specifically, the tragedy and immorality of nuclear weapons, which have increased in number and lethal force as we witness a second nuclear arms race far more dangerous than the first.”
“As we approach the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings next year, this is wonderful news of hope for a world without nuclear weapons,” said Archbishop Michiaki Nakamura of Nagasaki. “The award is the fruit of the efforts of atomic bomb survivors who have dedicated their lives to continue to educate the world about the reality of the atomic bombings.”
Bishop Mitsuru Shirahama of Hiroshima added, “We thank them for their commitment to ensuring that the same inhuman tragedy will never be repeated.”
“As a group dedicated to disarmament, our Partnership for a World Without Nuclear Weapons draws inspiration and energy from their work,” said Archbishop Paul D. Etienne of Seattle. “We commend the hibakusha for their dedication to campaigning for peace and nuclear disarmament.”
The PWNW stands in solidarity with all hibakusha and everyone who has been impacted by exposure to harmful radiation from the production, testing and use of nuclear weapons. For the sake of the world and future generations, we will continue to work with other peace advocates for a world without nuclear weapons.
About the Partnership for a World Without Nuclear Weapons
This voluntary international Catholic partnership is dedicated to encourage information sharing, exchange and cooperation to promote activities that protect all life and the environment from all forms of harm from nuclear development, testing, production, transport, possession, use and threat of use of nuclear weapons. The group began on the 78th Anniversary of the Atomic bombing with a signed agreement between the bishops of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Archdiocese of Seattle, the Diocese of Hiroshima and the Archdiocese of Nagasaki in 2023. To learn more, please visit https://pwnw.org.
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