The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, and the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, on Friday 5 October, congratulated young Yézidie Nadia Murad, survivor of ISIS sexual slavery, and Congolese gynaecologist Denis Mukwege, who helps women victims of rape.
"This year, the Nobel Peace Prize celebrates the strength, courage and vision of a man and woman who risked their lives to help, protect and save others. Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad have worked tirelessly in their communities to bring about change, and put an end to the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war”, the High Representative said in a statement. According to her, their stories have "inspired" EU action in recent years.
Mr. Tajani also paid tribute to the two Nobel Prize winners who demonstrate "courage" and "resilience", "in their struggle for common human values".
Both received the Sakharov Prize from the European Parliament: Denis Mukwege in 2014 (see EUROPE 11205) and Nadia Murad in 2016.
“A man of peace and justice, Denis Mukwege is a beacon of humanity in our troubled times. He courageously denounced sexual violence as a weapon of war", summarized Mr. Tajani, recalling that tens of thousands of women and girls owe their recovery to him.
The European Union has also financed its hospital, Panzi Hospital, through his help with development and humanitarian aid.
For the President of the European Parliament, Nadia Murad's international commitment "against impunity and for justice goes above and beyond, as she embodies the fight for the dignity of human trafficking survivors". (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)