Dr. Widad Akrawi Awarded International Pfeffer Peace Prize

Dr. Widad Akrawi, co-founder of Defend International, has been awarded by the 2014 International Pfeffer Peace Award for her worldwide work for peace and justice. She became the first Scandinavian citizen, the third European citizen and the first Kurd to receive a Pfeffer Peace Prize. The award was dedicated to all victims of persecution, particularly the Yazidis, Christians, and all residents of Kobane region.

Co-founder and President of Defend International became the first Scandinavian citizen, the third European citizen and the first Kurd to win this year s Pfeffer Peace Prize "for her worldwide work for peace and justice." She dedicated the award to all victims of persecution, particularly the Yazidis, Christians, and all residents of Kobane region.

The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), the prestigious US-based international peace organization, during a special ceremony at the Peace House in Oslo on October 13, awarded Dr. Widad Akrawi the 2014 International Pfeffer Peace Award. This highly honorable award, established by Leo and Freda Pfeffer, honors those working for peace and justice around the world.

Reverend Kristin Stoneking, the Executive --dir--ector of FOR, announcing the winner said that Dr. Widad Akrawi was selected to receive the 2014 International Pfeffer Peace Prize for her work as a human rights defender, peace activist, and co-founder of Defend International. "The momentum you created in favor of a UN resolution on a strong and an effective Arms Trade Treaty, your commitment to combat armed gender-based violence, and your successful lobbying for the adoption of the new UN Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict as well as the UN Resolution 2117 (2013) exclusively dedicated to illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse of small arms and light weapons around the World are outstanding contributions to shifting the current culture of violence, and we are grateful for your work," Reverend Stoneking said.

In accepting the award, Dr. Akrawi thanked the Fellowship of Reconciliation and stated: "Your support and involvement in furthering the development of a lasting peace is essential, especially now when we are in the middle of interlocking crises in different parts of the world. As the current crises continue, civilians (including children, the elderly, the physically´-or-mentally disabled, and those with certain health conditions) are paying the price. This award will certainly help to drive me forward through challenging times. It will surely impact my future activities and hopefully I will be able to assist others in their journeys towards justice and reconciliation."

FOR formally informed Dr. Akrawi of their decision in July 2014, announced the decision in September 2014, and the award was presented in Oslo by FOR international coordinator, Reverend Lucas Johnson. Dr. Akrawi dedicated the award to the 50 million refugees who have been displaced as a --dir--ect result of conflict, persecution´-or-the irresponsible transfer of conventional arms. She particularly mentioned the Yazidis, Christians, and all residents of Kobane region. "The prize will serve as a symbol of empowerment for marginalized populations, survivors and their families," Dr. Akrawi added.

In her role as a Peace Ambassador, she took the opportunity to acknowledge the work of other NGOs, international organizations´-or-networks, state institutions, civil society organizations and individuals active in the areas of peace and justice.

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About Defend International

Defend International is a Norway-based independent, voluntary, health-related NGO devoted to the promotion of peace and democracy through cultural relations and diplomacy. It forms a worldwide community of DI Defenders, supporters, stakeholders, subscribers and friends who are committed to act with objectivity in all matters related to human rights, including the right to health.
For more information, please visit:http://defendinternational.org

About Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR)
FOR is a US-based NGO founded in 1914 to tackle the horrors of WW1. Each year, FOR awards three peace awards to individuals´-or-organizations whose commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation is recognized as extraordinary. This International Pfeffer Peace Award seeks to honor those around the world working for peace and justice, while the Martin Luther King Jr. Award recognizes Americans working in his tradition and the Nyack-Area Peace Award recognizes local groups´-or-individuals.
For more information, please visit: http://forusa.org/blogs/meredith-nicolich/winners-are/13039


About Dr. Widad Akrawi
Dr. Akrawi is one of Scandinavia?s most successful female human rights and peace activists. She has facilitated a series of innovative projects aimed at promoting human rights, justice and a culture of peace.
For more information, please visit: http://widad.org

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