Hi Friend, 

“It is the heartfelt desire of the Hibakusha that, rather than depending on the theory of nuclear deterrence, which assumes the possession and use of nuclear weapons, we must not allow the possession of a single nuclear weapon. [...] I therefore plead for everyone around the world to discuss together what we must do to eliminate nuclear weapons, and demand action from governments to achieve this goal.” 

This was the powerful message from Terumi Tanaka, the co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo who survived the bombing of Hiroshima at 13, in the Nobel lecture today.  It was a wake-up call to all the nuclear-armed states and their allies, and a rallying cry for the entire world. 

Terumi Tanaka - co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo - delivers the Nobel Lecture.
Photo: ICAN | Kaspar Vosse

It has been an honour to be here in Oslo, together with partners from all over the world, to celebrate and recognise the tremendous courage of the hibakusha and their compelling call to end nuclear weapons forever.  

For decades, hibakusha have shared their testimonies so the world could not forget – or look away – from what these weapons of mass destruction really do. It is thanks to their tireless advocacy and their resilience to keep telling these harrowing stories, that we have seen progress such as the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). And now they are asking us to help push global leaders to heed their call to put an end to nuclear weapons forever.

Next year will mark the 80th anniversary of the nuclear bombings that destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the start of the nuclear age. 80 years, during which the nine nuclear-armed states left a tragic humanitarian and environmental legacy around the world through their production, use and testing, and failed to meet commitments to disarm. And 80 years in which we, everywhere, have been led to believe the world has no choice but to live with this unacceptable existential risk looming over our heads.

It is time to say: enough.   

Today, we celebrate Nihon Hidankyo, honour the hibakusha, and make a new commitment to resist nuclear weapons together.

Today, we gather this momentous global celebration so that tomorrow we are undeniably and unstoppable in our efforts.

The nuclear-armed states and their allies offered congratulations to Nihon Hidankyo when this prize was announced, giving us a clear moment to remind them that to truly honour the hibakusha’s legacy is to end the era of nuclear weapons forever. 

Together, we are more than this moment, we are a movement. 

With thanks for all you do,

In solidarity,

Melissa Parke
Executive Director
ICAN