«The prize emphasizes the importance of focus on democratic processes as a basis for reconciliation and peace-making work,» said Bjørn Engesland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. «The three women have responded specifically to the UN resolution 1325 on women’s peace and security and, with their struggle for women’s rights and peace work, have become examples for women around the world. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has also played an important role in the drafting of the resolution and raised the issue on the international agenda.
The UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security has as an overall goal to increase women’s participation and influence in preventing, dealing and resolving conflicts. The resolution will also help to safeguard women’s human rights during flight, war and conflict and integrate gender perspectives in peace-building work. The fight against sexual violence as a tool in war is central here.
The three women have shown that even under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions it is possible to go ahead and contribute to major and important changes. Women in conflict areas are not only vulnerable victims but also crucial contributors to conflict resolution.
Through the work of the Helsinki Committee, we have long seen that women are among the strongest, most capable and most fundamental advocates of democracy, freedom of speech and reconciliation. The three award winners are strongly involved in this tradition.
Photo: A. Cruz/ABr. Creative Commons License Attr. 2.5 Brazil