The Nobel Peace Prize for 2023 has been awarded to Iranian human rights activist Nasrin Mohammadi. She is currently imprisoned in Iran, recognized for her relentless fight against the oppression of women in the country and her advocacy for human rights and freedom for all.
Mohammadi serves as the Deputy Chair of the Center for Human Rights Defenders, a non-governmental organization led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, who received the honor in 2003.
This award marks the nineteenth time a woman has been honored with the Nobel Peace Prize. The announcement was met with praise from her family, who referred to it as a “historic moment in the struggle for freedom in Iran.” Her husband stated, “This award belongs to the Iranian people and human rights activists.”
Nasrin Mohammadi has become known for her unwavering courage and determination in the face of retaliatory actions, intimidation, violence, and arrests.
Mohammadi has confronted strict legal, social, and economic measures due to what she chooses to wear and not wear. Her courageous actions have made her an inspiration to the world.
The Nobel Peace Prize, valued at approximately 11 million Swedish kronor (around 1 million USD), will be presented in Oslo on December 10th, coinciding with the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, who established the award in his will in 1895.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights acknowledged that awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Nasrin Mohammadi sheds light on the bravery and determination of Iranian women. Spokesperson Elizabeth Throssell stated, “We have witnessed their courage and determination in the face of retaliatory actions, intimidation, violence, and arrests. They have been subjected to increasingly stringent legal, social, and economic measures. This truly highlights the courage and determination of women in Iran and how they have become a source of inspiration for the world.”
In 2022, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Belarusian human rights activist Ales Bialiatski and the Russian organization “Memorial” along with the Ukrainian “Center for Civil Liberties.” Together, they were recognized for emphasizing the importance of civil society for peace and democracy.
This Nobel Peace Prize for Nasrin Mohammadi serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles for human rights and freedom, particularly in nations where such rights are often under threat.