Brussels, 23/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - In the evening of Wednesday 22 October, the presidents of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, and the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso “warmly” congratulated Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege, 2014 Sakharov Prize winner, and his team. “We are delighted with the decision taken by the European Parliament (see EUROPE 11182) recognising the inspiring and determined work of Doctor Denis Mukwege, gynaecologist and head of the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu” in the Democratic Republic of Congo, they state in a joint press release.
They say that Mukwege's contribution over recent years “both medically and psychologically, has been incalculable”. They hailed his “personal courage and his tireless campaign for peace”. Underlining that the fight against sexual violence in armed conflicts remained a “matter of the utmost importance”, the presidents stated that Mukwege had “not only assuaged the suffering of thousands of victims of the most serious human rights violations but, above all, given dignity to thousands of women, victims of sexual violence”. Every day, Mukwege has to face “the tragic consequences of the conflict in the region of the Great Lakes, a conflict for which lasting resolution is an absolute priority for the EU”, they added (our translation throughout). (CG)