Paris, August 23 (QNA) - Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been awarded the 2022 Felix Houphouet-Boigny UNESCO Peace Prize in recognition of her efforts to welcome the refugees.
"All the members of the jury were touched by her courageous decision in 2015 to welcome more than 1,2 million refugees, notably from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Eritrea. This is the legacy she leaves," President of the Jury Denis Mukwege stated.
For her part, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay praised Merkel's role, saying: "Peace-building is about opening doors to those who suffer. The decision of the jury has reminded us that the way in which we treat migrants and refugees is a critical issue." Created in 1989, this annual Prize honors an individual, an institution, or a private or public body which has significantly contributed to the promotion, research, safeguarding or maintenance of peace, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and the Constitution of UNESCO. World-renowned figures have received it, including Nelson Mandela, Frederik W. De Klerk, and Jimmy Carter, who was awarded the prize for his work in the field of education. (QNA)