Hiroshima, Japan – In a poignant visit underscoring the enduring legacy of the atomic bombing and the urgent need for nuclear disarmament, Berit Reiss-Andersen, Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, traveled to Hiroshima and met with survivors of the devastating event. The visit follows the Committee’s awarding of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), of which the Japan Confederation of A-bomb and H-bomb Sufferers Organizations (Hidankyo) is a key member.
The meeting between Reiss-Andersen and Tomoyuki Mimaki, a representative of Hidankyo, marked a reunion since the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony held in Oslo last December. This face-to-face encounter served as a powerful reminder of the human cost of nuclear weapons and the importance of continued advocacy for their elimination.
On July 22nd, Reiss-Andersen toured the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a site dedicated to commemorating the victims of the atomic bombing and promoting peace. She also visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, carefully examining exhibits that detailed the city’s transformation before and after the bombing, and the immense destruction caused by the atomic weapon.
I am deeply moved, Reiss-Andersen stated after viewing the museum’s exhibits. The exhibition clearly conveys the idea that nuclear weapons must never be used again. Her words reflect the profound impact of witnessing firsthand the devastation wrought by nuclear weapons and the urgent need to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again.
Later that day, Reiss-Andersen met with Mimaki at the Hiroshima International Conference Center, located within the Peace Memorial Park. This meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss the ongoing efforts towards nuclear disarmament and the role of survivors in advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons.
The Significance of the Visit
Reiss-Andersen’s visit to Hiroshima carries significant weight. It demonstrates the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s continued commitment to the cause of nuclear disarmament and its recognition of the vital role played by survivors in raising awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons.
The awarding of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize to ICAN, and by extension Hidankyo, was a powerful statement against nuclear proliferation and a call for renewed efforts towards disarmament. Reiss-Andersen’s visit to Hiroshima further reinforces this message and serves as a reminder of the human consequences of nuclear war.
Looking Ahead
The visit by the Norwegian Nobel Committee Chair to Hiroshima is a significant step in promoting the cause of nuclear disarmament. It is hoped that this visit will inspire further action from governments and individuals alike to work towards a world free of nuclear weapons.
The voices of the hibakusha, the atomic bomb survivors, remain crucial in this effort. Their experiences serve as a stark warning about the dangers of nuclear weapons and the importance of preventing their use. By listening to their stories and supporting their advocacy, we can work towards a future where such tragedies are never repeated.
References:
- NHK World-Japan. (2025, July 23). Norwegian Nobel Committee chair visits Hiroshima. Retrieved from [insert actual URL if available, otherwise omit]
Conclusion:
Berit Reiss-Andersen’s visit to Hiroshima serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons and the urgent need for global nuclear disarmament. Her engagement with hibakusha and her reflection on the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum’s exhibits underscore the importance of continued advocacy and education to prevent future tragedies. The international community must heed the lessons of Hiroshima and work tirelessly towards a world free of nuclear weapons, ensuring a safer and more peaceful future for all.
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