Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, stated that the award was given because "the taboo against the use of nuclear weapons is under pressure." He added that the Nobel committee aims to honor all survivors who, despite their suffering and painful memories, have chosen to turn their experiences into hope and advocacy for peace.
Shiro Suzuki's comment followed the adoption of a distinct nuclear disarmament document by the Group of Seven industrial nations in May, which advocated the use of nuclear weapons for deterrence.