The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded on Friday to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization representing survivors of the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in recognition of its activism against nuclear weapons.

Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, explained that the award comes at a time when the “taboo against the use of nuclear weapons is under pressure.”

Frydnes highlighted that the Nobel committee aims to honor all survivors who, despite enduring physical suffering and painful memories, have used their difficult experiences to promote hope and peace.

Tomoyuki Mimaki, Hidankyo’s chairperson, was at Hiroshima City Hall when the announcement was made. Overcome with emotion, he cheered and teared up upon receiving the news.

The Nobel committee has previously recognized efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons. In 2017, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons won the prize, and in 1995, Joseph Rotblat and the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs were honored for their work to reduce the role of nuclear arms in global politics and ultimately eliminate them.

This year’s prize was awarded amidst ongoing global conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan.

In response to a question about whether Russia’s rhetoric surrounding nuclear weapons in its invasion of Ukraine influenced this year’s decision, Frydnes emphasized that the threats of using nuclear arms are indeed challenging the critical international norm against their use.