The S&D Group rejoices following the news of Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege being awarded the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize. Both laureates were recognised for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon in war.
President of the S&D Group, Udo Bullmann, said:
“We are happy and proud to see Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege being awarded of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize.
“Both are heroes in the fight for women's rights and against the use of sexual violence as a weapon in war. Both were S&D Candidates for the Sakharov Prize, won in 2016 by Nadia Murad and in 2014 by Denis Mukwege.
“This price has certainly reinforced our political conviction and commitment to stand, always, wherever it needs, for human rights and peace. Our battle to build a new partnership with Africa and African people, and to defend women’s rights continues.”
S&D vice-president, Elena Valenciano, added:
“We are deeply happy to see that women’s rights represent the focus of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize. We hope that this Prize, and the extraordinary work being done by both Nadia and Denis, will push the international community and national governments to pay more attention and provide concrete help to their causes and even physical protection if needed.
“With this Prize, the Academy is bringing the world's attention to the suffering of millions of women living in conflicts around the world, and particularly in Africa. As socialists, we will keep pushing to build a new partnership between Africa and Europe that can help address the root causes of this violence. We cannot think of more worthy winners.”
Note to editors:
Denis Mukwege is a Congolese doctor who has helped care for over 40,000 survivors of sexual violence in the Eastern Congolese Kivu region. He has been the victim of threats, intimidation and attempted assassination for his work. Undeterred, he has continued his efforts on behalf of Congolese women and the victims of sexual violence throughout the world.
Nadia Murad is a member of the Yazidi minority in Iraq who was captured by ISIS and subjected to rape and sexual abuse. Since gaining her freedom, she has become a voice for all women who have been subjected to sexual violence as a result of war.
