Dr. Widad, co-founder of Defend International, has been awarded the 2014 International Pfeffer Peace Award for her worldwide work for peace and justice. She dedicated her award to the victims of persecution, particularly the Yazidis, Christians, and all residents of Kobane region.
Dr. Widad Awarded
International Pfeffer Peace Prize
MEDIA RELEASE
14 October 2014
Co-founder of Defend International was awarded this year’s Pfeffer Peace Prize “for her worldwide work for peace and justice.” She dedicated the award to the victims of persecution, particularly the Yazidis, Christians, and all residents of Kobane region.
The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), the prestigious US-based international peace organization, during a special ceremony at the Peace House on October 13, awarded Dr. Widad the 2014 International Pfeffer Peace Award. This highly honorable award, established by Leo and Freda Pfeffer, honors those working for peace and justice around the world.
Reverend Kristin Stoneking, the Executive Director of FOR, announcing the winner said that Dr. Widad was selected to receive the 2014 International Pfeffer Peace Prize for her work as a human rights defender, peace activist, and co-founder of Defend International. “The momentum you created in favor of a UN resolution on a strong and an effective Arms Trade Treaty, your commitment to combat armed gender-based violence, and your successful lobbying for the adoption of the new UN Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict as well as the UN Resolution 2117 (2013) exclusively dedicated to illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse of small arms and light weapons around the World are outstanding contributions to shifting the current culture of violence, and we are grateful for your work,” Reverend Stoneking said.
In accepting the award, Dr. Widad thanked the Fellowship of Reconciliation and stated: “It is an honour to receive this award. As the current crises continue, civilians (including children, the elderly, the physically or mentally disabled, and those with certain health conditions) are paying the price. With your support, we will be able to help some of those who are most in need.”
FOR formally informed Dr. Widad of their decision in July 2014, announced the decision in September 2014, and the award was presented by FOR international coordinator, Reverend Lucas Johnson. Dr. Widad dedicated the award to the 50 million refugees who have been displaced as a direct result of conflict, persecution or the irresponsible transfer of conventional arms. She particularly mentioned the Yazidis, Christians, and all residents of Kobane region. “The prize will serve as a symbol of empowerment for marginalized populations, survivors and their families,” she added.
In her role as a Peace Ambassador, she took the opportunity to acknowledge the work of other NGOs, international organizations or networks, state institutions, civil society organizations and individuals active in the areas of peace and justice.
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Media enquiries:
DI Media Committee: media@defendinternational.org
About Defend International
Defend International is an independent, voluntary, health-related NGO devoted to the promotion of peace and democracy through cultural relations and diplomacy. It forms a worldwide community of DI Defenders, supporters, partners, subscribers and friends who are committed to act with objectivity in all matters related to human rights, including the right to health.
About Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR)
FOR is a US-based NGO founded in 1914 to tackle the horrors of WW1. Each year, FOR awards three peace awards to individuals or organizations whose commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation is recognized as extraordinary. This International Pfeffer Peace Award seeks to honor those around the world working for peace and justice, while the Martin Luther King Jr. Award recognizes Americans working in his tradition and the Nyack-Area Peace Award recognizes local groups or individuals.
About Dr. Widad
Widad is one of the most successful female human rights and peace activists. She has facilitated a series of innovative projects aimed at promoting human rights, justice and a culture of peace.
For more information, please visit: http://widad.org