Nobel Peace Prize shines light on sexual violence in war

October 5, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement:

“We commend the decision of the Nobel Committee to award Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege the Nobel Peace Prize. This recognition shines much needed light on the despicable use of sexual and gender-based violence in warfare.

“Rape and sexual slavery are two of the horrific crimes committed against women and girls during armed conflict. This violence fundamentally violates their human rights and stifles progress toward equality, development, peace and security.

“The Government of Canada strongly supports efforts to end sexual violence in armed conflict. We have invested in the empowerment of women and girls in fragile states where these heinous crimes are committed. 

“The exemplary work of Ms. Murad and Dr. Mukwege helps survivors and contributes to the end of sexual violence. We congratulate them, and we commit to continue to work toward our common goal of ending sexual and gender-based violence in warfare.”