Nobel Peace Prize 2018 as it happened: Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad win award for combating sexual violence
Pair win for ‘efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege and Yazidi campaigner Nadia Murad have won the 2018 Nobel peace prize.
Doctor Mukwege is a gynaecologist who has treated victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ms Murad is a survivor of sexual slavery by Isis in Iraq.
The selection by the Nobel committee saw the pair beat favourite nominees including North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US president Donald Trump.
Read our rolling coverage in the blog below
According to Alfred Nobel’s will, the Peace Prize is awarded to the person who in the preceding year “shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.”
The Nobel committee has now been able to contact Dr Denis Mukwege by phone.
The gynaecological surgeon reportedly said he was nearing the end of his second surgery of the day on Friday when he heard people crying in the hospital. They had heard about him winning the peace prize.
"I can see in the faces of many women how they are happy to be recognised. This is really so touching," he said in a brief telephone interview with the Nobel Prize organisation.
Mobile phone footage of the scene in Congo showed a smiling Dr Mukwege jostled by dancing, ululating medical colleagues in scrubs. "Hallelujah!" one man cried as women wiped their eyes. Dr Mukwege tried to address the crowd in the hospital's courtyard but was drowned out by cheering and song.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments