Nadia Murad: This Nobel is for all women

“We must not only imagine a better future for women, children and persecuted minorities, we must work consistently to make it happen - prioritizing humanity, not war”.

In her speech of acceptance of the Nobel Peace Price, Yazidi woman and survivor, Nadia Murad, reminded that “as a survivor, I am grateful for this opportunity to draw international attention to the plight of the Yazidi people who have suffered unimaginable crimes since the genocide by Daesh, which began in 2014”.

Murad added: “Many Yazidis will look upon this prize and think of family members that were lost, are still unaccounted for, and of the 1,300 women and children, which remain in captivity. Like many minority groups, the Yazidis, have carried the weight of historical persecution. Women in particular have suffered greatly as they have been, and continue to be the victims of sexual violence”.

On an intimate remark, Murad said: “For myself, I think of my mother, who was murdered by DAESH, the children with whom I grew up, and what we must do to honor them. Persecution of minorities must end. We must work together with determination – to prove that genocidal campaigns will not only fail, but lead to accountability for the perpetrators and justice for the survivors”.

Stressing on the need to continue the fight in order to prevent this genocide from happening again, Murad said: “We must remain committed to rebuilding communities ravaged by genocide. Survivors deserve a safe and secure pathway home or safe passage elsewhere. We must support efforts to focus on humanity, and overcome political and cultural divisions. We must not only imagine a better future for women, children and persecuted minorities, we must work consistently to make it happen - prioritizing humanity, not war”.

Murad was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize together with Dr. Mukwege, a man who has dedicated his life to helping women of sexual violence.

Nadia Murad congratulated by many around the world. The HDP underlined the importance of this Prize for all women who suffered and are still suffering from genocide policies in the Middle East and around the world.