A message from Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council.
The City of Coventry sends its congratulations to the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize winners Nihon Hidankyo.
The grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as Hibakusha, is a worthy recipient of the Prize for its dedicated work towards creating a world free of nuclear weapons.
Coventry has formed strong links with the city of Hiroshima over the years, and we are very proud of that friendship. Hiroshima Day is marked every year in our city on 6 August as we remember those who lost their lives when atomic bombs were dropped on the two cities in 1945.
Since those dark days of war, our cities have worked tirelessly for peace and have formed friendships with others around the world to try and prevent such horrors ever happening again.
We are delighted that the efforts of Nihon Hidankyo have been recognised with this great honour.
Their dedication and resolve to banish nuclear weapons to the pages of history have helped to spread a message of peace.
These historical witnesses have helped to generate and consolidate widespread opposition to nuclear weapons by drawing on personal stories and creating educational campaigns based on their own experience.
The core of Alfred Nobel’s vision was the belief that committed individuals can make a difference, and that is clearly shown by Nihon Hidankyo and the survivors who have bravely chosen to use their terrible experiences to bring peace to others.
Next year will mark 80 years since those terrible weapons caused such pain and devastation, and yet they are still a threat to our world today.
The city of Coventry thanks Nihon Hidankyo for its work to combat that threat, and we renew our promise to the cities and people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that we will always continue our work for peace by their sides.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader, Coventry City Council