Hiroshima and Nagasaki Survivors' Ongoing Fight for Human Rights and Peace

The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 serve as painful reminders of the severe consequences of nuclear warfare. With over 200,000 lives lost and countless others enduring lifelong suffering from radiation exposure, the survivors, known as hibakusha, continue to struggle for basic human rights and justice. These individuals not only face the physical scars of the bombings but also the enduring social marginalization that has followed them for decades.

Today, there are approximately 106,800 hibakusha living in Japan, with an average age of 85. Despite the heavy toll these survivors have paid, many have emerged as powerful advocates for nuclear disarmament and human rights. One such figure is 90-year-old Reiko Yamada, who was only 11 when the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. For more than six decades, Yamada has traveled the world, sharing her experiences in an effort to prevent future nuclear tragedies.

The impact of the bombings went beyond physical harm. Many hibakusha faced severe discrimination, often ostracized by society due to the belief that they could transmit radiation. As a result, many survivors were excluded from social, economic, and familial circles, enduring profound isolation and suffering. In some cases, even their property was taken, and they were subjected to verbal and physical abuse. These acts of discrimination represent a violation of basic human rights, denying them the dignity and respect every individual deserves.

Recognizing the immense suffering and courage of the hibakusha, Japan is introducing a Peace Award to honor their tireless efforts for a world free from nuclear weapons. This award serves as a tribute to their resilience and advocacy, reminding the world of the importance of upholding human rights for all survivors and ensuring that the horrors of nuclear warfare are never repeated.