Stressing Civil Society Groups are Catalysts for Peace, Secretary-General Congratulates 2022 Nobel Peace Prize Winners, Urging Support for Brave Defenders of Democracy

The following statement by Secretary-General António Guterres was issued today:

I congratulate Ales Bialiatski and the organizations Memorial and the Center for Civil Liberties on being awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.  As the Nobel Committee cited, this year’s recognition shines a spotlight on the power of civil society to advance peace.

Civil society groups are the oxygen of democracy, and catalysts for peace, social progress and economic growth.  They help keep Governments accountable and carry the voices of the vulnerable into the halls of power.

Yet, today, civic space is narrowing across the world.  Human rights defenders, women’s rights advocates, environmental activists, journalists and others face arbitrary arrest, harsh prison sentences, smear campaigns, crippling fines and violent attacks.

As we congratulate this year’s winners, let us pledge to defend the brave defenders of universal values of peace, hope and dignity for all.