The decision to recognize Nihon Hidankyo means that the Nobel Committee has abandoned more controversial candidates for the Peace Prize.
There has been widespread speculation that the United Nations agency that supports the Palestinians – UNRWA – is being considered for the award.
Although the organization is the main provider of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza, nine of its members were fired for their alleged involvement in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 last year.
More than 12,000 people have signed a petition calling for the prize not to be awarded to UNRWA.
No less concern was caused by the nomination of the International Court of Justice of the United Nations.
The main judicial body of the UN is currently considering accusations that Israel committed genocide in Gaza and has already issued a statement calling on the Israeli authorities to refrain from genocidal acts.
But while awarding Nihon Hidankyo may be the uncontroversial choice, it could also focus global attention on the threat of nuclear conflict overshadowing fighting in both Ukraine and the Middle East.
During Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, its leaders repeatedly hinted that they might be willing to use tactical nuclear weapons if Western allies increased their support for Ukraine in a way Russia deemed unacceptable.
These threats have succeeded in deterring Western support for fear of escalation.
In the Middle East, underpinning much of Israel’s strategy is the fear that Iran is seeking to develop a nuclear capability, which Tehran denies.
The Nobel committee’s decision could reignite the debate over the use of nuclear weapons at a time when some countries look with envy at its deterrent power.
This year, 286 nominations were nominated for the Peace Prize, including 197 individuals and 89 organizations.
Nominations can be made by people in significant positions of power, including members of national assemblies, governments and international courts.
Iranian human rights defender Narges Mohammadi received the award in 2023when she was awarded for her work against the oppression of women in Iran.
Ms. Mohammadi is currently in Evin Prison in Tehran, having already spent 12 years in prison serving several sentences related to her activism.
