This year’s Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to Belarusian human rights activist, along with two human rights organizations operating in Russia and Ukraine.
“We have decided to award the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize to human rights activist Ales Bialiatski from Belarus, along with the Memorial human rights organization in Russia and the Center for Civil Liberties based in Ukraine,” the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced today.
The committee stated that they awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to Mr. Bialiatski and the two organizations to honor “human rights, democracy, and peaceful coexistence” in the three neighboring countries of Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. They emphasized that this award is not aimed at Russian President Vladimir Putin, who initiated the military campaign in Ukraine.
Belarusian human rights activist Ales Bialiatski – (Photo: AFP)
“The awardees represent civil society in their respective countries,” said Berit Reiss-Andersen, chairwoman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, adding that they have “defended the fundamental rights of citizens” over the years by “documenting war crimes, human rights abuses, and the misuse of power.”
Mr. Bialiatski, 60, is currently imprisoned by Belarusian authorities on charges of “tax evasion.” The Norwegian Nobel Committee has called for Belarus to release him.
“We hope this will happen, and he can come to Oslo to receive the award,” Ms. Reiss-Andersen said.
According to Ms. Reiss-Andersen, the Center for Civil Liberties was awarded for its involvement in investigating allegations of “war crimes” in the Ukraine conflict. “This group has played a pioneering role in holding parties accountable for their actions,” she stated.
The Center for Civil Liberties, based in Ukraine, announced on Twitter that they “feel proud” to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
Memorial International, an organization based in Moscow, was dissolved following a ruling by the Russian Supreme Court in 2021. According to TASS, Memorial International was previously fined for violating Russian laws regarding “foreign agent” organizations.
The office of Memorial in Germany issued a statement saying that the Nobel Peace Prize will “strengthen our resolve to support our colleagues in Russia.”
Since its inception in 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to 137 individuals and organizations. This year, 251 individuals and 92 organizations were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, the second-highest number in history, just behind the nominations in 2016.
The winning individuals and organizations are selected by five members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, typically retired politicians appointed by the Norwegian Parliament. According to Nobel’s will, the prize is awarded to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting solidarity among nations, reducing or abolishing standing armies, and organizing and promoting peace conferences.
The award ceremony will take place at the Oslo City Hall on December 10, coinciding with the anniversary of the death of inventor and scientist Alfred Nobel. The Nobel Peace Prize laureates will receive a medal, a certificate, and a prize of 10 million Swedish crowns (approximately $900,000).
The Nobel Peace Prize is one of six awards established by Alfred Nobel in 1895. The other five include the Nobel Prize in Physics, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Nobel Prize in Literature, and the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences.
