International press release on the Nobel peace prize

Congratulations to Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi on winning this years Nobel peace prize

This year’s Nobel peace prize has officially been awarded Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi for their work against child labor and children’s right to education. Globally this is both a popular and uncontroversial choice and both deserve to be renowned for the importance of their work. At the same time it’s encouraging to see the award being handed to both an Indian and Pakistani activist providing a symbol of bridge building between nations in long lasting conflict. This illustrates the common struggle beyond national divides for improved conditions for the generations to come. We also find this particularly important concerning the current situation in Pakistan. The commitment for demilitarization and work against drone attacks is also an important aspect of Malala’s work, despite this not being part of the Nobel Committee`s reason for giving her the peace prize. 

It could be a matter of discussion if this year’s prize is more of a human rights award than a Nobel peace prize. However, this is part of a debate which we can address in the future. We congratulate the Nobel peace prize winners and look forward to honor them further with a public torch procession on the 10th of December.