Historical archive

Foreign Minister Brende congratulates Rafto Prize winner

Historical archive

Published under: Solberg's Government

Publisher: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

'I would like to congratulate this year's winner of the Rafto Prize, Iraqi feminist Yanar Mohammed. She has for many years been a courageous champion of women's rights in Iraq,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.

For a number of years, the Norwegian authorities have been supporting local Iraqi women's organisations combating violence against women and children and seeking to involve women in conflict prevention and peace efforts.

'Regrettably, Yanar Mohammed's efforts to prevent violence against women are still urgently needed. The shocking abuse of women by terrorist groups such as ISIL shows how important it is both to continue long-term efforts to safeguard women's rights and to help those who have suffered abuse,' said Mr Brende.