A Japanese expert on nuclear disarmament says this year’s Nobel Peace Prize sends an important message to the world about not using nuclear weapons.
The award went to Nihon Hidankyo, an organization representing survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Professor Akiyama Nobumasa of Hitotsubashi University says Nihon Hidankyo’s tireless efforts to tell people about the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons have been highly valued.
Akiyama says raising awareness that nuclear weapons are morally unacceptable will help to prevent them from being used.
He says the Nobel award for Nihon Hidankyo will serve as a loud voice in global talks for disarmament, including the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
He says the world should focus on how nuclear powers hold themselves accountable, adding that trust and communication between nations is essential for disarmament.
Akiyama says eliminating security concerns will lead to an actual reduction in nuclear arms.