The
Congolese medical doctor Denis Mukwege is this year´s laureate of Europe´s
Sakharov Prize. This great honour recognises Dr Mukwege´s work in Eastern Congo
in support of women and girls that have been victims of mass rape. Rape is in
that part of Africa a weapon of terror. Women and girls are caught in between
the rebel groups and the government forces and end up by paying a terrible
price. Dr Mukwege has been their medical helper, both also their voice and
advocate. He has done it with great bravery and a very strong sense of duty.
Today
we can only say that this year´s Sakharov Prize, decided by the European
Parliament, makes justice to a great African.
It
also calls the world´s attention to the plight of women and children in
conflict situations. It is in many ways an appeal for more action against that
type of violence.
