This month, Nadia Murad and Dr Denis Mukwege were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to combat sexual violence as a weapon of war, taking the number of women to receive the prestigious accolade to 17 out of 106. Both laureates have campaigned bravely and extensively to end impunity for conflict related sexual violence which is key to the women, peace and security agenda. The Nobel Committee noted that sexual violence can significantly exacerbate situations of armed conflict and impede the restoration of international peace and security.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee explained that “a more peaceful world can only be achieved if women and their fundamental rights and security are recognised and protected in war”’. The Committee made it clear that by awarding this prize to people from two different countries they were showing that conflict related sexual violence is a worldwide problem.