"The Nobel Committee finally shines the spotlight on sexual violence today, first and foremost towards women and children in war," says Secretary General Jan Egeland.
Egeland first suggested Dennis Mukwege for the Peace Prize in 2008 after several visits to the Panzi Hospital, which he created for raped women in Eastern Congo.
"With great danger to his own life, he has since been a tireless advocate for the most forgotten and vulnerable survivors of war," Egeland says.
He think it is fitting that he shares the award with Nadia Murad:
"She is a brave woman who has survived sexual violence, and taken up the fight for other women so they do not have to endure similar horrors."
Today’s award will boost the Norwegian Refugee Council's work for survivors of sexual violence, crimes which are much more prevalent in conflict than most people realise.
"We must strengthen international efforts to prevent theses assaults, and ensure that those who commit what are pure war crimes are held accountable."
With great danger to his own life, he has since been a tireless advocate for the most forgotten and vulnerable survivors of war.Jan Egeland about Denis Mukwege.
