On December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted as the first common standard of inalienable rights afforded to all people. Now observed as Human Rights Day, it is an occasion for us to reflect on how far we have come since the adoption of the Declaration and to recognize those who have fought for its ideals.

On this historic day dedicated to honoring human rights defenders, the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to two fiercely dedicated individuals for their work to raise awareness of sexual violence in conflict. In appreciation of their incredible courage, the World Movement for Democracy would like to extend our congratulations to Dr. Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad for winning the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to “end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.”

Dr. Denis Mukwege has worked tirelessly for the past 20 years to perform lifesaving surgeries for rape victims and to provide psychological, economic, and legal support through his Panzi clinic. Nadia Murad was kidnapped by the Islamic State in 2014 and held captive as a sex slave, enduring rape and torture during her captivity. After her escape, she brought international attention to the plight of remaining Yazidi women and girls still in captivity and urged the international community to fight for their release and prosecute the perpetrators for crimes against humanity and genocide.

“During my tenure as the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, I was privileged to meet both of the Nobel Laureates and to promote their work to the international community,” recounted World Movement’s Steering Committee Chairperson, Zainab Bangura. “Security and women’s empowerment are integral for any country, but are essential for civil society to thrive and democratic institutions to function. The World Movement is taking new steps to bring women leaders to the forefront of our discussions and to create opportunities for the younger generations to carry the torch in the years ahead.”

“Let us also take the time to remember the thousands of women still being affected in conflicts around the world. Within the last twenty years, the United Nations Security Council has developed the global legal framework to address these crimes. However, countries where these crimes are being committed have to use the framework to enact appropriate laws to ensure proper investigations are done and culprits are brought to justice. The global community must send a clear message that no matter where perpetrators go, we will pursue them and bring them to justice.”

The recognition of Dr. Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad’s courage uplifts all of us at a time when human rights defenders are increasingly under attack around the world. As we salute those who work tirelessly to protect and promote human rights on this day, the World Movement renews its determination to defend universal values of human rights and to work towards truly representative democracies.