October 7, 2017

The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) for its efforts to achieve a treaty-based prohibition of nuclear weapons.

Oslo, Norway | Norwegian Nobel Committee

Watercolor painting based depiction of The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) for its efforts to achieve a treaty-based prohibition of nuclear weapons. (2017)

Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to ICAN

On October 7, 2017, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). This recognition highlighted ICAN’s notable efforts in advocating for the eradication of nuclear arms through international cooperation and treaty-based agreements.

Background

ICAN is a coalition of non-governmental organizations, founded in 2007, with the mission to eliminate nuclear weapons globally. It has played a pivotal role in mobilizing public support and collaborating with governments to advance nuclear disarmament.

Context Leading to the Award

  • Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Weapons: ICAN has consistently argued against the catastrophic humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons. By emphasizing the human and environmental devastation caused by nuclear warfare, the organization has sought to shift the focus from military and strategic discussions to humanitarian priorities.

  • Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): One of ICAN’s significant contributions was its role in the advocacy and adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The treaty was adopted by a UN vote in July 2017, marking a landmark step towards the goal of complete nuclear disarmament. The treaty prohibits the use, threat of use, development, testing, production, and stockpiling of nuclear weapons.

Significance of the Award

  • Recognition of Grassroots Efforts: The award recognized the role of grassroots movements and civil society in achieving significant global policy changes. ICAN’s grassroots campaign effectively galvanized a movement that challenged the status quo of nuclear armament.

  • Encouragement for Diplomatic Engagement: By awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to ICAN, the Nobel Committee intended to encourage UN member states to intensify efforts in nuclear disarmament and to push nuclear-armed states to constructively engage with disarmament processes.

Aftermath and Ongoing Impact

  • Increased Visibility: The Nobel Peace Prize elevated the visibility of nuclear disarmament issues, fostering greater attention and dialogue among policymakers, international organizations, and the public.

  • Continued Advocacy: Following the award, ICAN continued its efforts to promote the universal adoption and implementation of the TPNW, advocating for nuclear-armed nations to recognize and act upon the treaty’s objectives.

The Nobel Committee’s decision in 2017 underscored the critical importance of disarmament initiatives in securing global peace and security, reinforcing ICAN’s work as essential to building a future free from the threat of nuclear weapons.

Source: www.nobelprize.org

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