The Norwegian Nobel committee has announced the winner of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, it was three joint winners - Ales Bialiatski from Belarus, Russia's Memorial group and Ukraine's Center for Civil Liberties.

WION Fineprint: Nobel Peace Prize committee announces three joint members

Nobel Peace Prize 2022 awarded to Belarus human rights activist, organisations from Russia & Ukraine

Philippine Nobel Peace Prize winner and veteran journalist&nbsp;Maria&nbsp;Ressa&nbsp;has battled multiple legal cases and online abuse in her campaign for press freedom.&nbsp;

The former CNN correspondent co-founded investigative news site Rappler in 2012, bringing together multimedia reporting and social media savvy to offer an edgy take on Philippine current events.

Ressa, 58, has been a vocal critic of former president Rodrigo Duterte and the deadly drug war he launched in 2016, drawing what media advocates describe as a grinding series of criminal charges, probes and online attacks against her and Rappler.

She was named a Time Person of the Year in 2018 for her work on press freedom, but a series of arrests and a conviction for cyber libel further grew her international profile.

In October,&nbsp;Ressa&nbsp;and Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to "safeguard freedom of expression".

Rappler has had to fight for survival after Duterte's government accused it of tax evasion and violating a constitutional ban on foreign ownership.&nbsp;

Days before Duterte stepped down on June 30, Philippine authorities ordered the news organisation to shut down.&nbsp;

Though Duterte's government said it had nothing to do with any of the cases against&nbsp;Ressa, press freedom advocates disagreed.

Throughout the campaign against her,&nbsp;Ressa, who is also a US citizen, has remained based in the Philippines and continued to speak out against Duterte's government despite the risks.

"What we have to do as journalists is just hold the line," she said after the Nobel Prize was announced.&nbsp;

Ressa&nbsp;has been on bail pending her appeal against the 2020 cyber libel conviction. On Friday, Rappler said she and a former colleague had lost the case and were considering their legal options.

It is one of seven cases she is fighting.

The cyber libel law was introduced in 2012, the same year Rappler was founded.

Threats and abuse

Ressa's position at the head of the Rappler news site meant getting, by her own estimate, up to 90 abusive online messages per hour at one point towards the end of 2016.

The threats came in the months after Duterte took power and launched his narcotics crackdown, which rights groups estimate has killed tens of thousands of people.

Rappler was among the domestic and foreign media outlets that published shocking images of the killings and questioned the crackdown's legal basis.

International Criminal Court judges have since authorised a full-blown investigation into a possible crime against humanity during the bloody campaign.

It was an entirely new set of dangers for&nbsp;Ressa, who was a veteran of conflict zones before co-founding Rappler.

As CNN's former bureau chief in Manila and Jakarta,&nbsp;Ressa&nbsp;specialised in terrorism, where she tracked the links between global networks like Al-Qaeda and militants in Southeast Asia.

The Princeton graduate later returned to the Philippines&nbsp;to serve as news chief at the nation's top broadcaster, ABS-CBN, which also fell foul of the Duterte administration.

Duterte has been succeeded by the son and namesake of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

After last week's order for Rappler to shut down,&nbsp;Ressa&nbsp;remained characteristically defiant.

"We continue to work, it is business as usual,"&nbsp;Ressa&nbsp;said.

Philippine Nobel Peace Prize winner and veteran journalist Maria Ressa has battled multiple legal cases and online abuse in her campaign for press freedom. The former CNN correspondent co-founded investigative news site Rappler in 2012, bringing together multimedia reporting and social media savvy to offer an edgy take on Philippine current events.

Philippine Nobel Peace Prize winner and veteran journalist Maria Ressa has battled multiple legal cases and online abuse in her campaign for press freedom. The former CNN correspondent co-founded investigative news site Rappler in 2012, bringing together multimedia reporting and social media savvy to offer an edgy take on Philippine current events. Ressa, 58, has been a vocal critic of former president Rodrigo Duterte and the deadly drug war he launched in 2016, drawing what media advocates describe as a grinding series of criminal charges, probes and online attacks against her and Rappler. She was named a Time Person of the Year in 2018 for her work on press freedom, but a series of arrests and a conviction for cyber libel further grew her international profile. In October, Ressa and Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to "safeguard freedom of expression". Rappler has had to fight for survival after Duterte's government accused it of tax evasion and violating a constitutional ban on foreign ownership. Days before Duterte stepped down on June 30, Philippine authorities ordered the news organisation to shut down. Though Duterte's government said it had nothing to do with any of the cases against Ressa, press freedom advocates disagreed. Throughout the campaign against her, Ressa, who is also a US citizen, has remained based in the Philippines and continued to speak out against Duterte's government despite the risks. "What we have to do as journalists is just hold the line," she said after the Nobel Prize was announced. Ressa has been on bail pending her appeal against the 2020 cyber libel conviction. On Friday, Rappler said she and a former colleague had lost the case and were considering their legal options. It is one of seven cases she is fighting. The cyber libel law was introduced in 2012, the same year Rappler was founded. Threats and abuse Ressa's position at the head of the Rappler news site meant getting, by her own estimate, up to 90 abusive online messages per hour at one point towards the end of 2016. The threats came in the months after Duterte took power and launched his narcotics crackdown, which rights groups estimate has killed tens of thousands of people. Rappler was among the domestic and foreign media outlets that published shocking images of the killings and questioned the crackdown's legal basis. International Criminal Court judges have since authorised a full-blown investigation into a possible crime against humanity during the bloody campaign. It was an entirely new set of dangers for Ressa, who was a veteran of conflict zones before co-founding Rappler. As CNN's former bureau chief in Manila and Jakarta, Ressa specialised in terrorism, where she tracked the links between global networks like Al-Qaeda and militants in Southeast Asia. The Princeton graduate later returned to the Philippines to serve as news chief at the nation's top broadcaster, ABS-CBN, which also fell foul of the Duterte administration. Duterte has been succeeded by the son and namesake of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos. After last week's order for Rappler to shut down, Ressa remained characteristically defiant. "We continue to work, it is business as usual," Ressa said.

'Hold the line': Philippines' Maria Ressa fights for press freedom

Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov sold his Nobel Peace Prize for a massive $103.5 million as the proceeds will all go to child refugees from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This is the most amount of money that a Nobel Prize medal has ever fetched in an auction with the previous highest being $4.76 million in 2014, when James Watson, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, sold his 1962 Nobel Prize. The identity of the buyer was not confirmed by Heritage Auctions, but they hinted that the buyer was from overseas. Muratov has been highly critical of the Russian administration from the beginning of the invasion, and he has already donated $500,000 to various different charities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-says-he-is-proud-of-russian-troops-in-ukraine-490300" hreflang="en">Putin 'proud' of Russian troops; says SARMAT would be commissioned this year</a>

“I was hoping that there was going to be an enormous amount of solidarity, but I was not expecting this to be such a huge amount,” Muratov said in an interview according to Associated Press.

Muratov founded the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for his contribution to journalism amid government crackdowns.

The auction was expected to fetch more than $1 million but everyone was surprised with the final amount.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitters-board-of-directors-urges-shareholders-to-approve-elon-musk-takeover-bid-490398">Twitter’s board of directors urges shareholders to approve Musk takeover bid</a>

“I can’t believe it. I’m awestruck. Personally, I’m flabbergasted. I’m stunned. I don’t really know what happened in there,” said Joshua Benesh, the chief strategy officer for Heritage Auctions.

“We knew that there was a tremendous groundswell of interest in the last couple of days by people who were moved by Dimitry’s story, by Dimitry’s act of generosity, that the global audience was listening tonight,” he added.

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Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov sold his Nobel Peace Prize for a massive $103.5 million as the proceeds will all go to child refugees from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov sold his Nobel Peace Prize for a massive $103.5 million as the proceeds will all go to child refugees from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This is the most amount of money that a Nobel Prize medal has ever fetched in an auction with the previous highest being $4.76 million in 2014, when James Watson, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, sold his 1962 Nobel Prize. The identity of the buyer was not confirmed by Heritage Auctions, but they hinted that the buyer was from overseas. Muratov has been highly critical of the Russian administration from the beginning of the invasion, and he has already donated $500,000 to various different charities. Also read | Putin 'proud' of Russian troops; says SARMAT would be commissioned this year “I was hoping that there was going to be an enormous amount of solidarity, but I was not expecting this to be such a huge amount,” Muratov said in an interview according to Associated Press. Muratov founded the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for his contribution to journalism amid government crackdowns. The auction was expected to fetch more than $1 million but everyone was surprised with the final amount. Also read | Twitter’s board of directors urges shareholders to approve Musk takeover bid “I can’t believe it. I’m awestruck. Personally, I’m flabbergasted. I’m stunned. I don’t really know what happened in there,” said Joshua Benesh, the chief strategy officer for Heritage Auctions. “We knew that there was a tremendous groundswell of interest in the last couple of days by people who were moved by Dimitry’s story, by Dimitry’s act of generosity, that the global audience was listening tonight,” he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian journalist sells Nobel Peace Prize for $103.5 million to help Ukrainian children

Russian&nbsp;journalist&nbsp;and Nobel Peace laureate Dmitry Muratov is auctioning his Nobel medal for Ukrainian refugees, distraught at the eradication of independent media in his country, where he says fewer and fewer people support Moscow's military campaign.

Muratov is the&nbsp;co-founder and long-time editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, a newspaper critical of the Kremlin that was itself established in 1993 with money from former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev's Nobel Peace Prize.

For years it defied tightening restrictions on dissenting media, but in March it finally suspended its online and print activities after it became a crime punishable by 15 years in jail to report anything on the conflict that veered from the government line.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-nothing-against-ukraine-joining-eu-putin-489203">Russia has 'nothing against' Ukraine joining EU, says Vladimir Putin</a>

"My country invaded another state, Ukraine. There are now 15.5 million refugees. We thought for a long time about what we could do and we thought that everyone should give away something dear to them, important to them," Muratov told Reuters in an interview.

Auctioning his golden medal would mean he shared in some way in the fate of refugees who had lost their mementoes and "their past", he said.

"Now they want to take away their future, but we must make sure that their future is preserved the most important thing we want to say and show is that human solidarity is necessary."

Muratov's medal is being sold by Heritage Auctions on June 20, World Refugee Day, with the support of the prize committee.

It had called the award to Muratov and Maria Ressa, a&nbsp;journalist&nbsp;from the Philippines, an endorsement of the right to free speech that was in jeopardy around the world.

Muratov dedicated his prize to six Novaya Gazeta&nbsp;journalists murdered for their work, among them some of the highest-profile critics of President Vladimir Putin.

Media Clampdown

He lamented the lack of a free media, and the severity of the state's crackdown on protest.

"The absence of real freedom of speech, of real exchange of opinions, of real freedom of expression is leading to the fact that people have no choice. They just have to believe what the state propagandists tell them," he said.

"There are no free media outlets. Rallies are actually banned, including in the regions. For any statement, an administrative or criminal case is initiated.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine moves one step closer to joining the EU but full membership still to take years

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-moves-one-step-closer-to-joining-the-eu-but-full-membership-still-to-take-years-489258/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Independent journalism is impossible in modern Russia. Content delivery is possible, for example, through the YouTube platform. It is possible to deliver some content alternative to the state view through VPN services. But this is getting more and more difficult every day."

Nevertheless, he questioned research indicating that most&nbsp;Russians support the invasion.

"When they call you on the phone ... and ask: 'Do you support the actions of President Putin?' or 'Do you support the action of the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;army?' or 'Do you support the military operation in Ukraine?' - how does the person respond, do you think?

Muratov believes that in reality, support for the war, often shown by a display of a 'Z' from the Latin alphabet, is dwindling.

"If you walk through the streets of Moscow now, you will see that there are practically no 'Z's left on the streets."

Moscow says it sent troops into Ukraine to defuse a military threat and protect&nbsp;Russian-speakers from persecution, assertions that Kyiv and its Western allies say are a baseless pretext for an unprovoked war of acquisition.

"I see what people say to me in the streets," Muratov said. "I see what our readers are writing, and I understand that it's impossible to say Russia supports the invasion of Ukraine with one voice."

He said even the Kremlin acknowledged that 25-30% of the population that did not support the operation.

United Leadership

But Muratov said those who believed change may occur in Russia as a result of a split in the elite were mistaken.

"The powers-that-be have never been so united, never been so monolithic. People in power have nowhere to go: not Europe, not America, they are not allowed anywhere else. They are here. They are here like the crew of a submarine with no escape. And of course, they are united around the president."

He also questioned suggestions that&nbsp;Russians might turn against the authorities if their standard of living suffered from Western sanctions, saying they were more likely to evoke the 'can-do' spirit of those who survived the privations of World War Two.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-ukraine-will-introduce-visas-for-russians-from-july-1-489090">No more free entry: Ukraine to launch visas for Russians from July 1, says Zelensky</a>

"Russia has arrived at the point where&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;President Putin will remain in power for as long as he sees fit - as he sees, it for the good of Russia. Whether he will be president or some kind of monarch, I don't know. But the tendency towards absolutism is absolutely obvious."

Asked how much he expected the medal to raise, Muratov said he had heard forecasts of $2 million or more, but had no real idea:

"The finale will be as unexpected for me as it is for you."

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Russian journalist and Nobel Peace laureate Dmitry Muratov is auctioning his Nobel medal for Ukrainian refugees, distraught at the eradication of independent media in his country, where he says fewer and fewer people support Moscow's military campaign.

Russian journalist and Nobel Peace laureate Dmitry Muratov is auctioning his Nobel medal for Ukrainian refugees, distraught at the eradication of independent media in his country, where he says fewer and fewer people support Moscow's military campaign. Muratov is the co-founder and long-time editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, a newspaper critical of the Kremlin that was itself established in 1993 with money from former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev's Nobel Peace Prize. For years it defied tightening restrictions on dissenting media, but in March it finally suspended its online and print activities after it became a crime punishable by 15 years in jail to report anything on the conflict that veered from the government line. Also read | Russia has 'nothing against' Ukraine joining EU, says Vladimir Putin "My country invaded another state, Ukraine. There are now 15.5 million refugees. We thought for a long time about what we could do and we thought that everyone should give away something dear to them, important to them," Muratov told Reuters in an interview. Auctioning his golden medal would mean he shared in some way in the fate of refugees who had lost their mementoes and "their past", he said. "Now they want to take away their future, but we must make sure that their future is preserved the most important thing we want to say and show is that human solidarity is necessary." Muratov's medal is being sold by Heritage Auctions on June 20, World Refugee Day, with the support of the prize committee. It had called the award to Muratov and Maria Ressa, a journalist from the Philippines, an endorsement of the right to free speech that was in jeopardy around the world. Muratov dedicated his prize to six Novaya Gazeta journalists murdered for their work, among them some of the highest-profile critics of President Vladimir Putin. Media Clampdown He lamented the lack of a free media, and the severity of the state's crackdown on protest. "The absence of real freedom of speech, of real exchange of opinions, of real freedom of expression is leading to the fact that people have no choice. They just have to believe what the state propagandists tell them," he said. "There are no free media outlets. Rallies are actually banned, including in the regions. For any statement, an administrative or criminal case is initiated. Watch | Ukraine moves one step closer to joining the EU but full membership still to take years "Independent journalism is impossible in modern Russia. Content delivery is possible, for example, through the YouTube platform. It is possible to deliver some content alternative to the state view through VPN services. But this is getting more and more difficult every day." Nevertheless, he questioned research indicating that most Russians support the invasion. "When they call you on the phone ... and ask: 'Do you support the actions of President Putin?' or 'Do you support the action of the Russian army?' or 'Do you support the military operation in Ukraine?' - how does the person respond, do you think? Muratov believes that in reality, support for the war, often shown by a display of a 'Z' from the Latin alphabet, is dwindling. "If you walk through the streets of Moscow now, you will see that there are practically no 'Z's left on the streets." Moscow says it sent troops into Ukraine to defuse a military threat and protect Russian-speakers from persecution, assertions that Kyiv and its Western allies say are a baseless pretext for an unprovoked war of acquisition. "I see what people say to me in the streets," Muratov said. "I see what our readers are writing, and I understand that it's impossible to say Russia supports the invasion of Ukraine with one voice." He said even the Kremlin acknowledged that 25-30% of the population that did not support the operation. United Leadership But Muratov said those who believed change may occur in Russia as a result of a split in the elite were mistaken. "The powers-that-be have never been so united, never been so monolithic. People in power have nowhere to go: not Europe, not America, they are not allowed anywhere else. They are here. They are here like the crew of a submarine with no escape. And of course, they are united around the president." He also questioned suggestions that Russians might turn against the authorities if their standard of living suffered from Western sanctions, saying they were more likely to evoke the 'can-do' spirit of those who survived the privations of World War Two. Also read | No more free entry: Ukraine to launch visas for Russians from July 1, says Zelensky "Russia has arrived at the point where Russian President Putin will remain in power for as long as he sees fit - as he sees, it for the good of Russia. Whether he will be president or some kind of monarch, I don't know. But the tendency towards absolutism is absolutely obvious." Asked how much he expected the medal to raise, Muratov said he had heard forecasts of $2 million or more, but had no real idea: "The finale will be as unexpected for me as it is for you." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pioneering Russian journalist sells Nobel Peace medal for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodmir Zelensky has gained a lot of popularity for his leadership during the conflict with Russia and some members of the European Parliament along with a number of European nations have asked the Nobel Committee to consider him and the people of Ukraine for the Nobel Peace Prize. <o:p></o:p>

The letter presented to the Nobel Committee read - "Brave Ukrainian men and women are fighting to preserve democracy and self-government. From the defiance of democratically elected Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky to the tearful man saying goodbye to his family to fight for his country, people across Ukraine are rising up to resist the forces of authoritarianism."

<o:p></o:p>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-prepared-for-up-to-100000-ukraine-refugees-says-pm-jonas-gahr-stoere-463453">Norway prepared for up to 100,000 Ukraine refugees, says PM</a>

After the letter was submitted to the Committee, “Nobel Peace Prize” started trending on Twitter and a number of people came out in support of the proposal. The users praised the people of Ukraine and Zelensky for his leadership during the tough period and requested that the selection procedure for the Nobel Prize should be reopened and it should be extended until March 31.

According to various media outlets, here’s the content of the letter that was submitted - <o:p></o:p>

"In light of historically unprecedented events, we respectfully request the Nobel Peace Prize Committee to reopen and reconsider the 2022 nomination procedure for the Nobel Peace Prize.<o:p></o:p>

The world is shocked by the images of war coming from Ukraine. Millions of families now live in fear, their homes and livelihoods threatened by bombing and an invading army. We are witnesses to the courage of the people of Ukraine who are resisting this war waged by the Russian Federation.<o:p></o:p>

At this moment and all over the world, democratic citizens are asking the same question: what can we do to support the people of Ukraine?

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-assessment-underway-finland-can-join-nato-by-spring-finnish-envoy-to-india-tells-wion-463498">Finland could join NATO by spring, Finnish envoy to India tells WION</a>

We believe that now is the time to show the people of Ukraine that the world is on their side. Therefore, we humbly ask you, the Committee, to consider:<o:p></o:p>

Extend and thus reopen the nomination procedure for the Nobel Peace Prize until March 31, 2022, to allow a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine.<o:p></o:p>

Although we are aware that this is a break with procedure, we believe that this break is justified by the current unprecedented situation. It is our democratic duty to confront authoritarianism and support a people fighting for democracy and their right to self-government.”

<o:p>Watch |&nbsp;</o:p>Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Fire after shelling kills at least one in Kyiv<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodmir Zelensky has gained a lot of popularity for his leadership during the conflict with Russia and some members of the European Parliament along with a number of European nations have asked the Nobel Committee to consider him and the people of Ukraine for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Ukrainian President Volodmir Zelensky has gained a lot of popularity for his leadership during the conflict with Russia and some members of the European Parliament along with a number of European nations have asked the Nobel Committee to consider him and the people of Ukraine for the Nobel Peace Prize. The letter presented to the Nobel Committee read - "Brave Ukrainian men and women are fighting to preserve democracy and self-government. From the defiance of democratically elected Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky to the tearful man saying goodbye to his family to fight for his country, people across Ukraine are rising up to resist the forces of authoritarianism." Also read | Norway prepared for up to 100,000 Ukraine refugees, says PM After the letter was submitted to the Committee, “Nobel Peace Prize” started trending on Twitter and a number of people came out in support of the proposal. The users praised the people of Ukraine and Zelensky for his leadership during the tough period and requested that the selection procedure for the Nobel Prize should be reopened and it should be extended until March 31. According to various media outlets, here’s the content of the letter that was submitted - "In light of historically unprecedented events, we respectfully request the Nobel Peace Prize Committee to reopen and reconsider the 2022 nomination procedure for the Nobel Peace Prize. The world is shocked by the images of war coming from Ukraine. Millions of families now live in fear, their homes and livelihoods threatened by bombing and an invading army. We are witnesses to the courage of the people of Ukraine who are resisting this war waged by the Russian Federation. At this moment and all over the world, democratic citizens are asking the same question: what can we do to support the people of Ukraine? Also read | Finland could join NATO by spring, Finnish envoy to India tells WION We believe that now is the time to show the people of Ukraine that the world is on their side. Therefore, we humbly ask you, the Committee, to consider: Extend and thus reopen the nomination procedure for the Nobel Peace Prize until March 31, 2022, to allow a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine. Although we are aware that this is a break with procedure, we believe that this break is justified by the current unprecedented situation. It is our democratic duty to confront authoritarianism and support a people fighting for democracy and their right to self-government.” Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Fire after shelling kills at least one in Kyiv (With inputs from agencies)

European leaders want Zelensky nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

British nature broadcaster David Attenborough, the World Health Organization and Belarusian dissident Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya are among the nominees for this year's Nobel Peace Prize after being backed by Norwegian lawmakers who have a track record of picking the winner. 
 
Thousands of people, from members of parliaments worldwide to former winners, are eligible to propose candidates. 
 
Norwegian lawmakers have nominated an eventual Peace laureate every year since 2014, with the exception of 2019, including one of the two laureates last year, Maria Ressa. 
 
The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which decides who wins the award, does not comment on nominations, keeping secret for 50 years the names of nominators and unsuccessful nominees. 
 
However, some nominators like Norwegian lawmakers choose to reveal their picks. 
 
NATURE, COVID-19 
 
Attenborough, 95, is best known for his landmark television series illustrating the natural world, including `Life on Earth` and `The Blue Planet`. 
 
He was nominated jointly with the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which assesses the state of biodiversity worldwide for policy-makers. 
 
They were nominated for "their efforts to inform about, and protect, Earth`s natural diversity, a prerequisite for sustainable and peaceful societies," said nominator Une Bastholm, the leader of the Norwegian Green Party. 
 
Environmentalists have won the Nobel Peace Prize in the past, including Kenyan activist Wangari Maathai, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore. 
 
Still, "there is no scientific consensus on climate change as an important driver of violent combat," said Henrik Urdal, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, cautioning against a "too simplistic connection between the two". 
 
The coronavirus pandemic has been front and centre of people`s concerns over the past two years and this year the international body tasked with fighting it, the WHO, has again been nominated. 
 
"I think the WHO is likely to be discussed in the Committee for this year`s prize," said Urdal. 
 
Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was nominated for the second year running for her "brave, tireless and peaceful work" for democracy and freedom in her home country, said parliamentarian Haarek Elvenes. 
 
Other nominees revealed by Norwegian lawmakers are jailed Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, the International Criminal Court in the Hague, WikiLeaks and Chelsea Manning, NATO, aid organisation CARE, Iranian human rights activist Masih Alinejad and the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum for cooperation for Arctic nations. 
 
Nominations, which closed on Monday, do not imply an endorsement from the Nobel committee. 
 
The 2021 laureate will be announced in October.

British nature broadcaster David Attenborough, the World Health Organization and Belarusian dissident Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya are among the nominees for this year's Nobel Peace Prize after being backed by Norwegian lawmakers who have a track record of picking the winner.

British nature broadcaster David Attenborough, the World Health Organization and Belarusian dissident Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya are among the nominees for this year's Nobel Peace Prize after being backed by Norwegian lawmakers who have a track record of picking the winner. Thousands of people, from members of parliaments worldwide to former winners, are eligible to propose candidates. Norwegian lawmakers have nominated an eventual Peace laureate every year since 2014, with the exception of 2019, including one of the two laureates last year, Maria Ressa. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which decides who wins the award, does not comment on nominations, keeping secret for 50 years the names of nominators and unsuccessful nominees. However, some nominators like Norwegian lawmakers choose to reveal their picks. NATURE, COVID-19 Attenborough, 95, is best known for his landmark television series illustrating the natural world, including `Life on Earth` and `The Blue Planet`. He was nominated jointly with the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which assesses the state of biodiversity worldwide for policy-makers. They were nominated for "their efforts to inform about, and protect, Earth`s natural diversity, a prerequisite for sustainable and peaceful societies," said nominator Une Bastholm, the leader of the Norwegian Green Party. Environmentalists have won the Nobel Peace Prize in the past, including Kenyan activist Wangari Maathai, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore. Still, "there is no scientific consensus on climate change as an important driver of violent combat," said Henrik Urdal, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, cautioning against a "too simplistic connection between the two". The coronavirus pandemic has been front and centre of people`s concerns over the past two years and this year the international body tasked with fighting it, the WHO, has again been nominated. "I think the WHO is likely to be discussed in the Committee for this year`s prize," said Urdal. Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was nominated for the second year running for her "brave, tireless and peaceful work" for democracy and freedom in her home country, said parliamentarian Haarek Elvenes. Other nominees revealed by Norwegian lawmakers are jailed Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, the International Criminal Court in the Hague, WikiLeaks and Chelsea Manning, NATO, aid organisation CARE, Iranian human rights activist Masih Alinejad and the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum for cooperation for Arctic nations. Nominations, which closed on Monday, do not imply an endorsement from the Nobel committee. The 2021 laureate will be announced in October.

Attenborough, WHO, Tsikhanouskaya among nominees for Nobel Peace Prize

The two journalists awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Maria Ressa and Dmitri A. Muratov, used their acceptance speeches Friday to express alarm about the threats to democracies and call for greater accountability for social media companies that Ressa said are dividing and radicalizing societies.

The speeches by the two journalists contained dire warnings that the world is headed toward more violence and misery without a renewed commitment to democracy and the values connected to it: truth, peace and human rights.

Ressa, 58, the first Nobel laureate from the Philippines, is the chief executive of Rappler, a digital news organization that is known for its investigations into President Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal five-year war on drugs. In her speech, she said social media companies still operated with impunity.

“Silicon Valley’s sins came home to roost in the United States on Jan. 6 with mob violence on Capitol Hill,” she said.

“These American companies controlling our global information ecosystem are biased against facts, biased against journalists,” she said. “They are — by design — dividing us and radicalizing us.”

Muratov, 60, has been the editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, Russia’s most fearless national newspaper, for more than 25 years.

He made an impassioned plea against an escalation of violence, condemning the “militaristic rhetoric” prevalent in Russian state controlled media.

His remarks — coming as Russia has massed nearly 100,000 troops across Ukraine’s borders, raising concerns of an invasion — were meant to serve as an urgent warning.

“The powerful actively promote the idea of war,” he said. “Aggressive marketing of war affects people and they start thinking that war is acceptable.”

At the same time, he said, the ideas of liberal democracy are under threat.

“The world has fallen out of love with democracy,” Muratov lamented in his speech. “The world has become disappointed with the elites in power. The world has begun to turn to dictatorship.”

Ressa has long been an outspoken critic of the authoritarian leader in her homeland, Duterte, whose government has filed seven criminal charges against her, including for cyber libel and tax evasion. She also has been critical of social networks for spreading disinformation and hatred.

“Our greatest need today is to transform that hate and violence, the toxic sludge that’s coursing through our information ecosystem, prioritized by American internet companies that make more money by spreading that hate and triggering the worst in us,” Ressa said in her speech.

Since it started in January 2012, Rappler has become one of the Philippines’ most popular and influential media platforms, mixing reporting with calls for social activism. Rappler’s reporters, most of whom are in their 20s, have investigated Duterte’s extrajudicial campaign to kill people suspected of dealing or using drugs, documented the spread of government disinformation on Facebook and reported on malfeasance among his top advisers.

Muratov has dedicated the prize to his slain colleagues at Novaya Gazeta. Six of the paper’s journalists or contributors died under his watch, including Anna Politkovskaya, whose 2006 murder in the elevator of her apartment block has never been solved. When the award was announced, he also said that opposition politician Alexei Navalny, who was poisoned last year and has been in jail since January, deserved to have received it.

Muratov is the third Russian to win the Nobel Peace Prize, after the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and the physicist and dissident Andrei D. Sakharov, who won in 1975 for his human rights advocacy.

He waded directly into the issue that has gripped leaders across the Western world in recent weeks: the threat of a military conflagration in the heart of Europe.

“In the heads of some crazy geopoliticians, a war between Russia and Ukraine is not something impossible any longer,” he warned. “But I know that wars end with identifying soldiers and exchanging prisoners,” he said, referencing his newspaper’s role in identifying soldiers and exchanging prisoners during the Chechen war.

He also spoke about political repression and torture in contemporary Russia.

“We hear more and more often about torture of convicts and detainees,” he said. “People are being tortured to the breaking point, to make the prison sentence even more brutal. This is barbaric.”

He said he would present an initiative to set up “an international tribunal against torture, which will have the task to gather information on torture in different parts of the world and different countries, and to identify the executioners and the authorities involved in such crimes.”

Ressa and Muratov were the first journalists to receive the Nobel Peace Prize since 1935, when it was awarded to Carl von Ossietzky, a German who was afterward detained in a Nazi concentration camp and later died.

“By giving this to journalists today, the Nobel committee is signaling a similar historical moment, another existential point for democracy,” Ressa declared. “We’re at a sliding-door moment, where we can continue down the path we’re on and descend further into fascism, or we can each choose to fight for a better world.”

In both laureates’ home countries, the climate for independent journalism is dire.

In 2020, a global survey of press freedoms by Reporters Without Borders ranked the Philippines 138th out of 180 countries. Russia was 150th.

After Ressa arrived in Oslo to attend the Nobel ceremony, she heard the news that a former colleague, Jesus Yutrago Malabanan, a prominent Philippine reporter who had investigated Duterte’s drug war, had been shot in the head and killed.

Ressa, in her remarks, said she spoke as a “representative of every journalist around the world who is forced to sacrifice so much to hold the line, to stay true to our values and mission: to bring you the truth and hold power to account.”

She called on the audience to ask themselves “What are you willing to sacrifice for the truth?” 
&nbsp;

The two journalists awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Maria Ressa and Dmitri A. Muratov, used their acceptance speeches Friday to express alarm about the threats to democracies and call for greater accountability for social media companies that Ressa said are dividing and radicalizing societies.

The two journalists awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Maria Ressa and Dmitri A. Muratov, used their acceptance speeches Friday to express alarm about the threats to democracies and call for greater accountability for social media companies that Ressa said are dividing and radicalizing societies. The speeches by the two journalists contained dire warnings that the world is headed toward more violence and misery without a renewed commitment to democracy and the values connected to it: truth, peace and human rights. Ressa, 58, the first Nobel laureate from the Philippines, is the chief executive of Rappler, a digital news organization that is known for its investigations into President Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal five-year war on drugs. In her speech, she said social media companies still operated with impunity. “Silicon Valley’s sins came home to roost in the United States on Jan. 6 with mob violence on Capitol Hill,” she said. “These American companies controlling our global information ecosystem are biased against facts, biased against journalists,” she said. “They are — by design — dividing us and radicalizing us.” Muratov, 60, has been the editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, Russia’s most fearless national newspaper, for more than 25 years. He made an impassioned plea against an escalation of violence, condemning the “militaristic rhetoric” prevalent in Russian state controlled media. His remarks — coming as Russia has massed nearly 100,000 troops across Ukraine’s borders, raising concerns of an invasion — were meant to serve as an urgent warning. “The powerful actively promote the idea of war,” he said. “Aggressive marketing of war affects people and they start thinking that war is acceptable.” At the same time, he said, the ideas of liberal democracy are under threat. “The world has fallen out of love with democracy,” Muratov lamented in his speech. “The world has become disappointed with the elites in power. The world has begun to turn to dictatorship.” Ressa has long been an outspoken critic of the authoritarian leader in her homeland, Duterte, whose government has filed seven criminal charges against her, including for cyber libel and tax evasion. She also has been critical of social networks for spreading disinformation and hatred. “Our greatest need today is to transform that hate and violence, the toxic sludge that’s coursing through our information ecosystem, prioritized by American internet companies that make more money by spreading that hate and triggering the worst in us,” Ressa said in her speech. Since it started in January 2012, Rappler has become one of the Philippines’ most popular and influential media platforms, mixing reporting with calls for social activism. Rappler’s reporters, most of whom are in their 20s, have investigated Duterte’s extrajudicial campaign to kill people suspected of dealing or using drugs, documented the spread of government disinformation on Facebook and reported on malfeasance among his top advisers. Muratov has dedicated the prize to his slain colleagues at Novaya Gazeta. Six of the paper’s journalists or contributors died under his watch, including Anna Politkovskaya, whose 2006 murder in the elevator of her apartment block has never been solved. When the award was announced, he also said that opposition politician Alexei Navalny, who was poisoned last year and has been in jail since January, deserved to have received it. Muratov is the third Russian to win the Nobel Peace Prize, after the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and the physicist and dissident Andrei D. Sakharov, who won in 1975 for his human rights advocacy. He waded directly into the issue that has gripped leaders across the Western world in recent weeks: the threat of a military conflagration in the heart of Europe. “In the heads of some crazy geopoliticians, a war between Russia and Ukraine is not something impossible any longer,” he warned. “But I know that wars end with identifying soldiers and exchanging prisoners,” he said, referencing his newspaper’s role in identifying soldiers and exchanging prisoners during the Chechen war. He also spoke about political repression and torture in contemporary Russia. “We hear more and more often about torture of convicts and detainees,” he said. “People are being tortured to the breaking point, to make the prison sentence even more brutal. This is barbaric.” He said he would present an initiative to set up “an international tribunal against torture, which will have the task to gather information on torture in different parts of the world and different countries, and to identify the executioners and the authorities involved in such crimes.” Ressa and Muratov were the first journalists to receive the Nobel Peace Prize since 1935, when it was awarded to Carl von Ossietzky, a German who was afterward detained in a Nazi concentration camp and later died. “By giving this to journalists today, the Nobel committee is signaling a similar historical moment, another existential point for democracy,” Ressa declared. “We’re at a sliding-door moment, where we can continue down the path we’re on and descend further into fascism, or we can each choose to fight for a better world.” In both laureates’ home countries, the climate for independent journalism is dire. In 2020, a global survey of press freedoms by Reporters Without Borders ranked the Philippines 138th out of 180 countries. Russia was 150th. After Ressa arrived in Oslo to attend the Nobel ceremony, she heard the news that a former colleague, Jesus Yutrago Malabanan, a prominent Philippine reporter who had investigated Duterte’s drug war, had been shot in the head and killed. Ressa, in her remarks, said she spoke as a “representative of every journalist around the world who is forced to sacrifice so much to hold the line, to stay true to our values and mission: to bring you the truth and hold power to account.” She called on the audience to ask themselves “What are you willing to sacrifice for the truth?”

Nobel-winning journalists denounce war talk and online ‘toxic sludge’

The 2021 Nobel Peace Prize was shared by journalists Maria Ressa & Dmitry Muratov. While this year's winners have a proven track record, not every Peace Prize winner can say the same. Palki Sharma tells you about the men & women who disgraced the prize.

Gravitas: When war criminals won the Peace Prize

South Africa's anti-apartheid icon and Nobel peace price winner archbishop Desmond Tutu celebrated his 90th birthday. With a low-key church service at cape town's st. Geroge cathedral.

South Africa's anti-apartheid icon Desmond Tutu celebrated his 90th birthday

Journalists Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia won the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for their fight for freedom of expression in countries where media outlets have faced persistent attacks.

Journalists Maria Ressa, Dmitry Muratov win Nobel Peace Prize for defending freedom of expression

The Nobel Peace Prize 2021 is being awarded to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for safeguarding freedom of expression, ‘which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace’.<o:p></o:p>

Maria Ressa is a Filipino-American journalist, an author and the co-founder and CEO of Rappler. Dmitry Andreyevich Muratov is a Russian journalist who is known as the Editor-in-Chief of the a Russian newspaper, Novaya Gazeta.

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BREAKING NEWS: 
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NobelPrize?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NobelPrize</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NobelPeacePrize?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NobelPeacePrize</a> <a href="https://t.co/KHeGG9YOTT">pic.twitter.com/KHeGG9YOTT</a>
— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) <a href="https://twitter.com/NobelPrize/status/1446400172125302784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Ms Ressa and Mr Muratov are receiving the Peace Prize for their courageous fight for freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia. At the same time, they are representatives of all journalists who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions," the committee said in a statement.

Last year, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to&nbsp;World Food Programme for its efforts on&nbsp;fighting hunger and food insecurity around the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-scientists-david-julius-ardem-patapoutian-win-nobel-prize-in-medicine-for-research-about-temperature-and-touch-418138">US scientists David Julius, Ardem Patapoutian win Nobel prize in medicine for research about temperature and touch</a>

Ressa has been awarded this prestigious award for her work throughout the years in exposing abuse of power, authoritarianism and misuse of violence in her home country,&nbsp;the Philippines. She also heads Rappler, which was founded in 2021 as one of the main and biggest investigative journalism company in the country.

"As a journalist and the Rappler’s CEO, Ressa has shown herself to be a fearless defender of freedom of expression," the committee said. "Rappler has focused critical attention on the Duterte regime’s controversial, murderous anti-drug campaign. The number of deaths is so high that the campaign resembles a war waged against the country’s own population. Ms Ressa and Rappler have also documented how social media is being used to spread fake news, harass opponents and manipulate public discourse."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-tanzanian-writer-abdulrazak-gurnah-conferred-nobel-prize-for-literature-2021-418900">Tanzanian writer Abdulrazak Gurnah conferred Nobel Prize for Literature 2021</a>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Dmitry Andreyevich Muratov has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for fighting for freedom of rights and standing up as the voice of criticism and opposition in Russia, even&nbsp;under "increasingly challenging conditions".

"Novaja Gazeta is the most independent newspaper in Russia today, with a fundamentally critical attitude towards power. The newspaper’s fact-based journalism and professional integrity have made it an important source of information on censurable aspects of Russian society rarely mentioned by other media," the committee said. "Since its start-up in 1993, Novaja Gazeta has published critical articles on subjects ranging from corruption, police violence, unlawful arrests, electoral fraud and ”troll factories” to the use of Russian military forces both within and outside Russia."

The committee also highlighted how the Russian journalist has carried on serving his duties even as him, his colleagues and his company was repeatedly attacked, harassed, threatened and even killed. "Despite the killings and threats, editor-in-chief Muratov has refused to abandon the newspaper’s independent policy. He has consistently defended the right of journalists to write anything they want about whatever they want, as long as they comply with the professional and ethical standards of journalism."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/syukuro-manabe-klaus-hasselmann-and-giorgio-parisi-win-2021-nobel-prize-in-physics-418351">Syukuro Manabe, Klaus Hasselmann and Giorgio Parisi win 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics</a>

These two journalists have been awarded Nobel Peace Prize for being a strong supporter of fact-based and independent journalism. The two winners have managed to stand strong against all criticism and dangers throughout the years to help people exercise their rights to freedom, and motivate a more diverse and correct idea of democracy.

"The award of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov is intended to underscore the importance of protecting and defending these fundamental rights," the committee added.

Kremlin has also congratulated the 'courageous' Nobel Prize winner Muratov.&nbsp;We can congratulate Dmitry Muratov, he persistently works in accordance with his own ideals, he is devoted to them, he is talented, he is brave. Of course, it's a high grade and we congratulate him," Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov said.

Muratov dedicated his award to the six journalists who have lost their lives while doing their work for the betterment of the society.&nbsp;"I can't take credit for this. This is Novaya Gazeta's. It is that of those who died defending the right of people to freedom of speech," Muratov was cited by Russian news agency TASS as saying.

<o:p></o:p>

The Nobel Peace Prize 2021 is being awarded to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for safeguarding freedom of expression, ‘which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace’.

The Nobel Peace Prize 2021 is being awarded to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for safeguarding freedom of expression, ‘which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace’. Maria Ressa is a Filipino-American journalist, an author and the co-founder and CEO of Rappler. Dmitry Andreyevich Muratov is a Russian journalist who is known as the Editor-in-Chief of the a Russian newspaper, Novaya Gazeta. BREAKING NEWS: The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.#NobelPrize #NobelPeacePrize pic.twitter.com/KHeGG9YOTT — The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 8, 2021 × "Ms Ressa and Mr Muratov are receiving the Peace Prize for their courageous fight for freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia. At the same time, they are representatives of all journalists who stand up for this ideal in a world in which democracy and freedom of the press face increasingly adverse conditions," the committee said in a statement. Last year, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to World Food Programme for its efforts on fighting hunger and food insecurity around the world. Also read | US scientists David Julius, Ardem Patapoutian win Nobel prize in medicine for research about temperature and touch Ressa has been awarded this prestigious award for her work throughout the years in exposing abuse of power, authoritarianism and misuse of violence in her home country, the Philippines. She also heads Rappler, which was founded in 2021 as one of the main and biggest investigative journalism company in the country. "As a journalist and the Rappler’s CEO, Ressa has shown herself to be a fearless defender of freedom of expression," the committee said. "Rappler has focused critical attention on the Duterte regime’s controversial, murderous anti-drug campaign. The number of deaths is so high that the campaign resembles a war waged against the country’s own population. Ms Ressa and Rappler have also documented how social media is being used to spread fake news, harass opponents and manipulate public discourse." Also read | Tanzanian writer Abdulrazak Gurnah conferred Nobel Prize for Literature 2021 Meanwhile, Dmitry Andreyevich Muratov has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for fighting for freedom of rights and standing up as the voice of criticism and opposition in Russia, even under "increasingly challenging conditions". "Novaja Gazeta is the most independent newspaper in Russia today, with a fundamentally critical attitude towards power. The newspaper’s fact-based journalism and professional integrity have made it an important source of information on censurable aspects of Russian society rarely mentioned by other media," the committee said. "Since its start-up in 1993, Novaja Gazeta has published critical articles on subjects ranging from corruption, police violence, unlawful arrests, electoral fraud and ”troll factories” to the use of Russian military forces both within and outside Russia." The committee also highlighted how the Russian journalist has carried on serving his duties even as him, his colleagues and his company was repeatedly attacked, harassed, threatened and even killed. "Despite the killings and threats, editor-in-chief Muratov has refused to abandon the newspaper’s independent policy. He has consistently defended the right of journalists to write anything they want about whatever they want, as long as they comply with the professional and ethical standards of journalism." Also read | Syukuro Manabe, Klaus Hasselmann and Giorgio Parisi win 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics These two journalists have been awarded Nobel Peace Prize for being a strong supporter of fact-based and independent journalism. The two winners have managed to stand strong against all criticism and dangers throughout the years to help people exercise their rights to freedom, and motivate a more diverse and correct idea of democracy. "The award of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov is intended to underscore the importance of protecting and defending these fundamental rights," the committee added. Kremlin has also congratulated the 'courageous' Nobel Prize winner Muratov. We can congratulate Dmitry Muratov, he persistently works in accordance with his own ideals, he is devoted to them, he is talented, he is brave. Of course, it's a high grade and we congratulate him," Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov said. Muratov dedicated his award to the six journalists who have lost their lives while doing their work for the betterment of the society. "I can't take credit for this. This is Novaya Gazeta's. It is that of those who died defending the right of people to freedom of speech," Muratov was cited by Russian news agency TASS as saying.

Nobel Peace Prize awarded to journalists Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov

The winner of the 2021 Nobel peace prize is set to be announced in an award intended to honor an individual or organization that has done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations. Let's go live to Oslo, Norway where the Norwegian Nobel committee is set to make the announcement.

Winner of the 2021 Nobel peace prize is set to be announced

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has pleaded with the world to ensure the protection of Afghan women's rights on Friday after the change of guard. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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The remark was made by the 24-year-old Yousafzai to a panel on girls' education in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

The countries and organisations around the world may take the first steps to engage with the hardline group in the recent future. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-can-be-partners-in-peace-for-us-pakistan-says-prime-minister-imran-khan-415746">Taliban can be partners in peace for US, Pakistan, says PM Imran Khan</a>

Despite a steep rise in work and education opportunities for women in Afghanistan in last two decades since Taliban were in power, the activist is worried the group will act in same manner as they did last time. &nbsp;

"We cannot make compromises on the protection of women's rights and the protection of human dignity. Now is the time that we stick to that commitment and ensure that the rights of Afghan women are protected, and one of those important rights is the right to education," Yousafzai said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-activist-says-taliban-have-no-choice-but-to-listen-to-women-415507" hreflang="en">Afghan activist says Taliban have no choice but to listen to women</a>

She had joined the panel through video conferencing. In 2012, Yousafzai was shot by a Taliban gunman in Pakistan after she was leaving school. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has pleaded with the world to ensure the protection of Afghan women's rights on Friday after the change of guard.

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has pleaded with the world to ensure the protection of Afghan women's rights on Friday after the change of guard. Watch: × The remark was made by the 24-year-old Yousafzai to a panel on girls' education in Afghanistan. The countries and organisations around the world may take the first steps to engage with the hardline group in the recent future. Also Read: Taliban can be partners in peace for US, Pakistan, says PM Imran Khan Despite a steep rise in work and education opportunities for women in Afghanistan in last two decades since Taliban were in power, the activist is worried the group will act in same manner as they did last time. "We cannot make compromises on the protection of women's rights and the protection of human dignity. Now is the time that we stick to that commitment and ensure that the rights of Afghan women are protected, and one of those important rights is the right to education," Yousafzai said. Also Read: Afghan activist says Taliban have no choice but to listen to women She had joined the panel through video conferencing. In 2012, Yousafzai was shot by a Taliban gunman in Pakistan after she was leaving school. (With inputs from agencies)

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai asks world to secure Afghan women's rights

More than 100 former world leaders and Nobel Prize winners have come together to urge US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> to support a waiver of intellectual property rules for coronavirus vaccines.

Such a waiver on patents will boost vaccine manufacturing and will also speed up the response to this global pandemic, especially in poor countries, they said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-slap-new-sanctions-on-russia-for-election-interference-cyber-attack-sources-377685" hreflang="en">US to slap new sanctions on Russia for election interference, cyber attack: Sources</a>

"President Biden has said that no one is safe until everyone is safe, and now with the G7 ahead there is an unparalleled opportunity to provide the leadership that only the US can provide,"&nbsp; former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said.

Former leaders of France and the UK, other 60 former heads of state and Nobel Prize winners have drafted a joint letter to Biden about this issue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-continues-pause-on-johnson-johnson-vaccine-over-reports-of-blood-clots-377746" hreflang="en">US continues pause on Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine over reports of blood clots</a>

They urged Biden to support the proposal drafted by India and South Africa at the World Trade Organization to waive intellectual property rules on a temporary basis to help support countries related to COVID-19 vaccines.

The letter calculates that the poorer countries will have to wait till 2024 to receive vaccines, on the basis of the speed with which the virus is mutating.

"New mutations of the virus will continue to cost lives and upend our interconnected global economy until everyone, everywhere has access to a safe and effective vaccine," Nobel Economics Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz said.

The letter has been signed by Francois Hollande, Mary Robinson, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Juan Manuel Santos and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - formerly presidents of France, Ireland, Brazil, Colombia and Liberia - and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 100 former world leaders and Nobel Prize winners have come together to urge US President Joe Biden to support a waiver of intellectual property rules for coronavirus vaccines.

More than 100 former world leaders and Nobel Prize winners have come together to urge US President Joe Biden to support a waiver of intellectual property rules for coronavirus vaccines. Such a waiver on patents will boost vaccine manufacturing and will also speed up the response to this global pandemic, especially in poor countries, they said. Also read | US to slap new sanctions on Russia for election interference, cyber attack: Sources "President Biden has said that no one is safe until everyone is safe, and now with the G7 ahead there is an unparalleled opportunity to provide the leadership that only the US can provide," former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said. Former leaders of France and the UK, other 60 former heads of state and Nobel Prize winners have drafted a joint letter to Biden about this issue. Also read | US continues pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccine over reports of blood clots They urged Biden to support the proposal drafted by India and South Africa at the World Trade Organization to waive intellectual property rules on a temporary basis to help support countries related to COVID-19 vaccines. The letter calculates that the poorer countries will have to wait till 2024 to receive vaccines, on the basis of the speed with which the virus is mutating. "New mutations of the virus will continue to cost lives and upend our interconnected global economy until everyone, everywhere has access to a safe and effective vaccine," Nobel Economics Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz said. The letter has been signed by Francois Hollande, Mary Robinson, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Juan Manuel Santos and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - formerly presidents of France, Ireland, Brazil, Colombia and Liberia - and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark. (With inputs from agencies)

Waive Covid vaccine patents: Nearly 100 former world leaders, Nobel winners join call to Biden

The civil disobedience movement that is continuing to put pressure on the Myanmar junta to give up power has been nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, a Norwegian academic said on Friday.&nbsp;

Calling it an important "mass mobilisation for democracy", Kristian Stokke, professor of sociology at the University of Oslo told news agency AFP that if the movement turns out to be successful, it would "inspire other non-violent pro-democracy" causes elsewhere.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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"The civil disobedience movement is an important mass mobilisation for democracy in Myanmar that is taking place, so far, with non-violent means," the professor said.&nbsp;

"This pro-democracy movement, especially if successful, can also have consequences outside Myanmar and inspire other non-violent pro-democracy movements elsewhere at a time when democracy is under pressure from authoritarian forces."&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
As many as 320 people have been killed and about 3,000 detained since the coup ousted the democratically-elected government in Myanmar, according to the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (AAPP).&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-activists-call-for-anti-coup-protest-as-junta-marks-armed-forces-day-373467">Myanmar activists call for anti-coup protest as junta marks Armed Forces Day</a>

"What is important and gives a glimmer of hope is that what started as a response to a military coup has become a broader alliance across the many differences, especially ethnic ones, within Burmese society," Stokke added.&nbsp;

The Nobel committee only considers January 31 deadline for this year's awards and so the nomination by Stokke will be taken next year.&nbsp;

The civil disobedience movement that is continuing to put pressure on the Myanmar junta to give up power has been nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, a Norwegian academic said on Friday.

The civil disobedience movement that is continuing to put pressure on the Myanmar junta to give up power has been nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, a Norwegian academic said on Friday. Calling it an important "mass mobilisation for democracy", Kristian Stokke, professor of sociology at the University of Oslo told news agency AFP that if the movement turns out to be successful, it would "inspire other non-violent pro-democracy" causes elsewhere. Watch | "The civil disobedience movement is an important mass mobilisation for democracy in Myanmar that is taking place, so far, with non-violent means," the professor said. "This pro-democracy movement, especially if successful, can also have consequences outside Myanmar and inspire other non-violent pro-democracy movements elsewhere at a time when democracy is under pressure from authoritarian forces." As many as 320 people have been killed and about 3,000 detained since the coup ousted the democratically-elected government in Myanmar, according to the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (AAPP). Also read | Myanmar activists call for anti-coup protest as junta marks Armed Forces Day "What is important and gives a glimmer of hope is that what started as a response to a military coup has become a broader alliance across the many differences, especially ethnic ones, within Burmese society," Stokke added. The Nobel committee only considers January 31 deadline for this year's awards and so the nomination by Stokke will be taken next year.

Myanmar protesters nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

US lawmakers have nominated Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement for the Nobel Peace Prize.

In a letter to the Nobel Committee submitted by the February 1 deadline and released Wednesday, nine lawmakers across party lines called the campaigners a global inspiration as they endure a crackdown by Beijing, citing the estimate that more than two million took to the streets on June 16, 2019.

With Hong Kong having a population of 7.5 million, it amounts to "one of the largest mass protests in history," said the letter, led by Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Democratic Representative Jim McGovern, co-chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China that assesses human rights.

"This prize would honour their bravery and determination that have inspired the world," they wrote.

"We hope that the Nobel Committee will continue to shine a light on those struggling for peace and human rights in China and we believe the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong is deserving of recognition this year."

The lawmakers said they expected more Hong Kong democracy activists to be convicted in the coming months "for the sole reason of peacefully expressing their political views."

Beijing last year imposed a tough security law that it has used to clamp down on dissent after the unrest in the financial hub, which was promised a separate system before Britain handed the territory back to China in 1997.

Among those who have been rounded up include 24-year-old Joshua Wong, one of the city's most recognisable democracy advocates, who has been charged with subversion.

The lawmakers recommended that the prize go broadly to all who have pushed for human rights and democracy in Hong Kong since 1997.

US lawmakers have nominated Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement for the Nobel Peace Prize. In a letter to the Nobel Committee submitted by the February 1 deadline and released Wednesday, nine lawmakers across party lines called the campaigners a global inspiration as they endure a crackdown by Beijing, citing the estimate that more than two million took to the streets on June 16, 2019.

US lawmakers have nominated Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement for the Nobel Peace Prize. In a letter to the Nobel Committee submitted by the February 1 deadline and released Wednesday, nine lawmakers across party lines called the campaigners a global inspiration as they endure a crackdown by Beijing, citing the estimate that more than two million took to the streets on June 16, 2019. With Hong Kong having a population of 7.5 million, it amounts to "one of the largest mass protests in history," said the letter, led by Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Democratic Representative Jim McGovern, co-chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China that assesses human rights. "This prize would honour their bravery and determination that have inspired the world," they wrote. "We hope that the Nobel Committee will continue to shine a light on those struggling for peace and human rights in China and we believe the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong is deserving of recognition this year." The lawmakers said they expected more Hong Kong democracy activists to be convicted in the coming months "for the sole reason of peacefully expressing their political views." Beijing last year imposed a tough security law that it has used to clamp down on dissent after the unrest in the financial hub, which was promised a separate system before Britain handed the territory back to China in 1997. Among those who have been rounded up include 24-year-old Joshua Wong, one of the city's most recognisable democracy advocates, who has been charged with subversion. The lawmakers recommended that the prize go broadly to all who have pushed for human rights and democracy in Hong Kong since 1997.

US lawmakers nominate Hong Kong democracy movement for Nobel

South Africa is putting forward a proposal to nominate the contingent of Cuban Doctors brought to the country to help fight Covid-19 for the Nobel Peace Prize.&nbsp;

While addressing the nation on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he wishes to recognize the selfless and unwavering assistance of the government and people of Cuba.

“In recognition of this effort, the South African Cabinet has approved a proposal to nominate the Henry Reeve International Contingent of Doctors Specialised in Disaster Situations and Serious Epidemics – or as they commonly are known, the Cuban Medical Brigade – for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize,” President said.&nbsp;

True to its history, a small island nation has demonstrated solidarity with the hardest-hit countries and sent more than 3,700 Cubans throughout the world to assist in the fight against COVID-19, Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

In Africa alone, the Brigade had treated more than 38,000 people by the end of November 2020. They are currently still active in many countries, including here in South Africa, Ramaphosa added.&nbsp;

“We extend our sincerest gratitude to the people of Cuba for this great demonstration of solidarity and humanity,” Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

In 2020, South Africa welcomed 217 Cuban Doctors, health technologists and epidemiologist.

The South African government spent R239 million on the program to boost SA’s covid plan.

Relations between Cuba and South Africa are significant. Both the countries were forged in the common struggle against apartheid and colonialism on the African continent.

South Africa is putting forward a proposal to nominate the contingent of Cuban Doctors brought to the country to help fight Covid-19 for the Nobel Peace Prize. While addressing the nation on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he wishes to recognize the selfless and unwavering assistance of the government and people of Cuba.

South Africa is putting forward a proposal to nominate the contingent of Cuban Doctors brought to the country to help fight Covid-19 for the Nobel Peace Prize. While addressing the nation on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he wishes to recognize the selfless and unwavering assistance of the government and people of Cuba. “In recognition of this effort, the South African Cabinet has approved a proposal to nominate the Henry Reeve International Contingent of Doctors Specialised in Disaster Situations and Serious Epidemics – or as they commonly are known, the Cuban Medical Brigade – for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize,” President said. True to its history, a small island nation has demonstrated solidarity with the hardest-hit countries and sent more than 3,700 Cubans throughout the world to assist in the fight against COVID-19, Ramaphosa said. In Africa alone, the Brigade had treated more than 38,000 people by the end of November 2020. They are currently still active in many countries, including here in South Africa, Ramaphosa added. “We extend our sincerest gratitude to the people of Cuba for this great demonstration of solidarity and humanity,” Ramaphosa said. In 2020, South Africa welcomed 217 Cuban Doctors, health technologists and epidemiologist. The South African government spent R239 million on the program to boost SA’s covid plan. Relations between Cuba and South Africa are significant. Both the countries were forged in the common struggle against apartheid and colonialism on the African continent.

South Africa to nominate Cuban doctors for Nobel Peace Prize for helping in the fight against Covid-19 

Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and climate campaigner Greta Thunberg are among those nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

These all are backed by Norwegian lawmakers who have a track record of picking the winner.

Nominations, which close on Sunday, do not imply an endorsement from the Nobel committee.

Black Lives Matter, a movement which received an impetus in May, 2020, has also been proposed for the Nobel Peace Prize.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-lives-matter-movement-proposed-for-nobel-peace-prize-360299">Also read |&nbsp;Black Lives Matter movement proposed for Nobel Peace Prize</a>

The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which decides who wins the award, does not comment on nominations, keeping secret for 50 years the names of nominators and unsuccessful nominees. But nominators can choose to reveal their picks.

Thunberg was named as one of "the foremost spokespeople in the fight against the climate crisis", with the campaigning group she co-founded, Fridays for Future, also receiving a nod.

Navalny, nominated by Russian academics, was named for his "efforts for a peaceful democratisation of Russia" by Norwegian former minister Ola Elvestuen.

The battle against COVID-19 is front and centre, including a nomination for the GAVI vaccine alliance.

Other names are Belarusian activists Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Maria Kolesnikova and Veronika Tsepkalo for their "fight for a fair election and inspiration for peaceful resistance", one nominator, Geir Sigbjoern Toskedal, said.

Freedom of information is a recurring theme with nominees including the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists; former Charlie Hebdo journalist Zineb el Rhazoui; news website Hong Kong Free Press, the US-based International Fact-Checking Network and Paris-based Reporters without Borders (RSF).

Other nominees include former US President Donald Trump, NATO and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).

Also on the list is Aminatou Haidar, for her peaceful campaigning towards an independent Western Sahara, the International Space Station and the International Scout Movement.

The 2021 laureate will be announced in October.

Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and climate campaigner Greta Thunberg are among those nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and climate campaigner Greta Thunberg are among those nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize. These all are backed by Norwegian lawmakers who have a track record of picking the winner. Nominations, which close on Sunday, do not imply an endorsement from the Nobel committee. Black Lives Matter, a movement which received an impetus in May, 2020, has also been proposed for the Nobel Peace Prize. Also read | Black Lives Matter movement proposed for Nobel Peace Prize The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which decides who wins the award, does not comment on nominations, keeping secret for 50 years the names of nominators and unsuccessful nominees. But nominators can choose to reveal their picks. Thunberg was named as one of "the foremost spokespeople in the fight against the climate crisis", with the campaigning group she co-founded, Fridays for Future, also receiving a nod. Navalny, nominated by Russian academics, was named for his "efforts for a peaceful democratisation of Russia" by Norwegian former minister Ola Elvestuen. The battle against COVID-19 is front and centre, including a nomination for the GAVI vaccine alliance. Other names are Belarusian activists Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Maria Kolesnikova and Veronika Tsepkalo for their "fight for a fair election and inspiration for peaceful resistance", one nominator, Geir Sigbjoern Toskedal, said. Freedom of information is a recurring theme with nominees including the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists; former Charlie Hebdo journalist Zineb el Rhazoui; news website Hong Kong Free Press, the US-based International Fact-Checking Network and Paris-based Reporters without Borders (RSF). Other nominees include former US President Donald Trump, NATO and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). Also on the list is Aminatou Haidar, for her peaceful campaigning towards an independent Western Sahara, the International Space Station and the International Scout Movement. The 2021 laureate will be announced in October.

Greta Thunberg and Navalny nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

Black Lives Matter, a movement which received an impetus in May, 2020, has been proposed for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Founded in the United States in 2013, the movement became a rallying cry after a Black person George Floyd died at the hands of the US police.&nbsp;

A white policeman had knelt on Floyd's neck for eight minutes ignoring Floyd's pleas that he couldn't breathe. The incident fuelled protests in the United States that sped across the world.

"This movement has become one of the strongest global movements for working with racial injustice. They have also been spread to many many countries, building up... awareness on the importance of fighting racial injustice," Petter Eide, a socialist lawmaker who proposed BLM for the Peace Prize, told AFP.

Several other names have been mooted for the Peace Prize including controversial Wikileaks founder and whistleblower Julian Assange, former US president Donald Trump, media rights group RSF and a trio of Belarusian opposition leaders led by Svetlana Tikhanovskaya.

The Nobel prizes will be announced at the start of October. This year's prize went to the World Food Programme, the UN food agency.

Black Lives Matter, a movement which received an impetus in May, 2020, has been proposed for the Nobel Peace Prize. Founded in the United States in 2013, the movement became a rallying cry after a Black person George Floyd died at the hands of the US police.

Black Lives Matter, a movement which received an impetus in May, 2020, has been proposed for the Nobel Peace Prize. Founded in the United States in 2013, the movement became a rallying cry after a Black person George Floyd died at the hands of the US police. A white policeman had knelt on Floyd's neck for eight minutes ignoring Floyd's pleas that he couldn't breathe. The incident fuelled protests in the United States that sped across the world. "This movement has become one of the strongest global movements for working with racial injustice. They have also been spread to many many countries, building up... awareness on the importance of fighting racial injustice," Petter Eide, a socialist lawmaker who proposed BLM for the Peace Prize, told AFP. Several other names have been mooted for the Peace Prize including controversial Wikileaks founder and whistleblower Julian Assange, former US president Donald Trump, media rights group RSF and a trio of Belarusian opposition leaders led by Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. The Nobel prizes will be announced at the start of October. This year's prize went to the World Food Programme, the UN food agency.

Black Lives Matter movement proposed for Nobel Peace Prize

Around this time last year, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the Nobel Peace Prize. Today, Ethiopia is standing on the brink of civil war on his watch. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ethiopia on the brink of a civil war

October 15 in history: From Napolean's exile to Gorbachev's Nobel Prize and more

The World Food Programme has won the Nobel Peace Prize 2020. This may be one of the least controversial picks in recent history. WION's Palki Sharma tells you about the politics around the Nobel Peace Prize.

Gravitas: Nobel Peace Prize for World Food Programme

The bookies are placing their bets on New Zealand's PM Jacinda Ardern for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, a report claimed.&nbsp;

A report by NZ Herald said most of the bookmakers have kept Ardern in the top three candidates with climate activist Greta Thunberg and the World Health Organization.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-louise-gluck-wins-nobel-prize-in-literature-333470#:~:text=American%20poet%20Louise%20Gl%C3%BCck%20has,beauty%20makes%20individual%20existence%20universal.%E2%80%9D">American Louise Glück wins Nobel Prize in Literature&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; 
 
The New Zealand prime minister, who is nominated for her work post deadly Christchurch shootings and during coronavirus pandemic, is in a three-point lead over other two leading candidates, the report said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuelle-charpentier-jennifer-a-doudna-win-nobel-prize-in-chemistry-333141#:~:text=Emmanuelle%20Charpentier%20and%20Jennifer%20A,Prize%20in%20Chemistry%20on%20Wednesday.&amp;text=C%20virus%20discovery-,The%20Nobel%20Committee%20said%20they%20were%20given%20the%20award%20for,CRISPR%2FCas9%20genetic%20scissors.%22">Emmanuelle Charpentier &amp; Jennifer A. Doudna win Nobel Prize in Chemistry</a>

Ardern was nominated last year too, but the prestigious prize was conferred upon Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his contribution to settle the conflict with neighbouring Eritrea.

Meanwhile, various polls have shown that Ardern is poised to win the October 17 general election and getting Peace Prize would be a big election boost for the 40-year-old prime minister.&nbsp;

An opinion poll by TVNZ/Colmar Brunton has found that Ardern's centre-left Labour Party has a support of 48 per cent, well short of the record 59 per cent it received in mid-May, but enough to retain her seat with the support from other smaller parties.&nbsp;

In terms of choice as preferred PM, Ardern led the list with 54 per cent support and far more than her closest rival who had a backing of 18 per cent in the poll conducted in late July.&nbsp;

The bookies are placing their bets on New Zealand's PM Jacinda Ardern for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, a report claimed. A report by NZ Herald said most of the bookmakers have kept Ardern in the top three candidates with climate activist Greta Thunberg and the World Health Organization.

The bookies are placing their bets on New Zealand's PM Jacinda Ardern for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, a report claimed. A report by NZ Herald said most of the bookmakers have kept Ardern in the top three candidates with climate activist Greta Thunberg and the World Health Organization. Also read | American Louise Glück wins Nobel Prize in Literature The New Zealand prime minister, who is nominated for her work post deadly Christchurch shootings and during coronavirus pandemic, is in a three-point lead over other two leading candidates, the report said. Also read | Emmanuelle Charpentier & Jennifer A. Doudna win Nobel Prize in Chemistry Ardern was nominated last year too, but the prestigious prize was conferred upon Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his contribution to settle the conflict with neighbouring Eritrea. Meanwhile, various polls have shown that Ardern is poised to win the October 17 general election and getting Peace Prize would be a big election boost for the 40-year-old prime minister. An opinion poll by TVNZ/Colmar Brunton has found that Ardern's centre-left Labour Party has a support of 48 per cent, well short of the record 59 per cent it received in mid-May, but enough to retain her seat with the support from other smaller parties. In terms of choice as preferred PM, Ardern led the list with 54 per cent support and far more than her closest rival who had a backing of 18 per cent in the poll conducted in late July.

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern is bookies favourite to win Nobel Peace Prize

The World Food Programme (WFP) has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger and improve conditions for peace in conflict areas.

WFP this year fed&nbsp;millions of people from Yemen to North Korea, with the coronavirus pandemic seen pushing millions more into hunger.

The WFP was honoured for "its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict," the Nobel committee said on Friday.

"Deepest thanks NobelPrize for honouring the World Food Programme with the 2020 #NobelPeacePrize.This is a powerful reminder to the world that peace and #ZeroHunger go hand-in-hand," WFP posted&nbsp;on Twitter in response to the honour.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Deepest thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/NobelPrize?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NobelPrize</a> for honouring the World Food Programme with the 2020 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NobelPeacePrize?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NobelPeacePrize</a>. 
 
This is a powerful reminder to the world that peace and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZeroHunger?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZeroHunger</a> go hand-in-hand. <a href="https://t.co/1CYXPcnvlF">https://t.co/1CYXPcnvlF</a>
— World Food Programme (@WFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/WFP/status/1314495961771716608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"This is humbling," Tomson Phiri told reporters during a regular briefing in Geneva, adding it was "really a proud moment" for the UN organisation.

"One of the beauties of WFP activities is that not only do we provide food for today and tomorrow, but we also are equipping people with the knowledge, the means to sustain themselves for the next day and the days after."

Founded in 1961, the UN organisation helped 97 million people last year, distributing 15 billion rations to people in 88 countries last year.

Whether delivering food by helicopter or on the back of an elephant or a camel, the WFP prides itself on being "the leading humanitarian organisation" in a world where, by its own estimates, some 690 million people -- one in 11 -- go to bed on an empty stomach.

War can be caused by hunger, but hunger is also a consequence of war, with people living in areas of conflict three times more likely to be undernourished than those living in countries at peace, the WFP says.

Yemen, which is living through what the UN has described as the "largest humanitarian crisis in the world", is a stark example of this.

Both the UN and aid agencies have repeatedly raised the alarm over the disastrous consequences of the conflict which has claimed tens of thousands of lives since 2015, when a powerful military coalition led by Saudi Arabia joined the government's fight against Iran-backed Huthi rebels.

The conflict has displaced three million people and pushed the country to the verge of famine.

Two-thirds of Yemen's 30 million people don't know where their next meal will come from, WFP figures show.

The outlook for the world has grown even bleaker this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has led to earnings losses, made food more expensive and disrupted supply chains.

"The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to a strong upsurge in the number of victims of hunger in the world," the Nobel committee said.

"In countries such as Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, South Sudan and Burkina Faso, the combination of violent conflict and the pandemic has led to a dramatic rise in the number of people living on the brink of starvation," it said.

In April, Beasley raised the alarm, saying: "We could be facing multiple famines of biblical proportions within a short few months."&nbsp;

The global recession caused by the virus risks pushing an additional 83 to 132 million people into hunger, the UN said in a report published in mid-July.

This is the 12th time the Peace Prize has gone to the UN, one of its agencies or personalities -- more than any other laureate.

The virus will also affect the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony on December 10 in Oslo, which has been scaled back due to corona restrictions.

The award consists of a gold medal, a diploma and a cheque for 10 million Swedish kronor (950,000 euros, $1.1 million).

(with inputs)

The World Food Programme (WFP) has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger and improve conditions for peace in conflict areas. WFP this year fed millions of people from Yemen to North Korea, with the coronavirus pandemic seen pushing millions more into hunger.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger and improve conditions for peace in conflict areas. WFP this year fed millions of people from Yemen to North Korea, with the coronavirus pandemic seen pushing millions more into hunger. The WFP was honoured for "its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict," the Nobel committee said on Friday. "Deepest thanks NobelPrize for honouring the World Food Programme with the 2020 #NobelPeacePrize.This is a powerful reminder to the world that peace and #ZeroHunger go hand-in-hand," WFP posted on Twitter in response to the honour. Deepest thanks @NobelPrize for honouring the World Food Programme with the 2020 #NobelPeacePrize. This is a powerful reminder to the world that peace and #ZeroHunger go hand-in-hand. https://t.co/1CYXPcnvlF — World Food Programme (@WFP) October 9, 2020 × "This is humbling," Tomson Phiri told reporters during a regular briefing in Geneva, adding it was "really a proud moment" for the UN organisation. "One of the beauties of WFP activities is that not only do we provide food for today and tomorrow, but we also are equipping people with the knowledge, the means to sustain themselves for the next day and the days after." Founded in 1961, the UN organisation helped 97 million people last year, distributing 15 billion rations to people in 88 countries last year. Whether delivering food by helicopter or on the back of an elephant or a camel, the WFP prides itself on being "the leading humanitarian organisation" in a world where, by its own estimates, some 690 million people -- one in 11 -- go to bed on an empty stomach. War can be caused by hunger, but hunger is also a consequence of war, with people living in areas of conflict three times more likely to be undernourished than those living in countries at peace, the WFP says. Yemen, which is living through what the UN has described as the "largest humanitarian crisis in the world", is a stark example of this. Both the UN and aid agencies have repeatedly raised the alarm over the disastrous consequences of the conflict which has claimed tens of thousands of lives since 2015, when a powerful military coalition led by Saudi Arabia joined the government's fight against Iran-backed Huthi rebels. The conflict has displaced three million people and pushed the country to the verge of famine. Two-thirds of Yemen's 30 million people don't know where their next meal will come from, WFP figures show. The outlook for the world has grown even bleaker this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has led to earnings losses, made food more expensive and disrupted supply chains. "The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to a strong upsurge in the number of victims of hunger in the world," the Nobel committee said. "In countries such as Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, South Sudan and Burkina Faso, the combination of violent conflict and the pandemic has led to a dramatic rise in the number of people living on the brink of starvation," it said. In April, Beasley raised the alarm, saying: "We could be facing multiple famines of biblical proportions within a short few months." The global recession caused by the virus risks pushing an additional 83 to 132 million people into hunger, the UN said in a report published in mid-July. This is the 12th time the Peace Prize has gone to the UN, one of its agencies or personalities -- more than any other laureate. The virus will also affect the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony on December 10 in Oslo, which has been scaled back due to corona restrictions. The award consists of a gold medal, a diploma and a cheque for 10 million Swedish kronor (950,000 euros, $1.1 million). (with inputs)

UN's World Food Progamme wins Nobel Peace Prize 2020

World Health Organization is coming up as a possible contender for the Nobel peace prize 2020. Watch report.

Nobel peace prize 2020: Who'll be the Peace Laureate this year?

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a possible contender for the upcoming Nobel&nbsp;Peace Prize award.

The WHO is an agency of the United Nations set up in 1948 to improve health globally. It has more than 7,000 people working in 150 country offices, six regional offices and its Geneva headquarters.

The organization's&nbsp;director-general,&nbsp;currently the Ethiopian Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,&nbsp;is elected for a five-year term. Tedros' five-year term began on July 1, 2017.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-world-health-organisation-must-answer-these-hard-questions-in-its-coronavirus-inquiry-300191">The World Health Organisation must answer these hard questions in its coronavirus inquiry</a>

WHO has been accused of botching its response to the pandemic that emerged in China and being too close to Beijing.

The United States formally started its withdrawal from the WHO in July, making good on Trump's threats to deprive the&nbsp;organisation&nbsp;of its top donor.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-nominated-for-nobel-peace-prize-2021-following-israel-uae-deal-326247">US President Donald Trump nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 2021 following Israel-UAE deal</a>

Against the backdrop of Trump's criticisms, WHO member states in May agreed a resolution calling for an "impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation... to review experience gained and lessons learned from the WHO-coordinated international&nbsp;health&nbsp;response" to the pandemic.

The WHO's stated aim is "to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable".

It has no power to impose health policies on national governments, but acts as an adviser and offers guidance on best practice in disease prevention and health improvement.

The WHO has 194 member states: every country except Liechtenstein which is a member of the United Nations but not of its global health agency. They appoint representatives to The World Health Assembly, which convenes annually and sets WHO policies. These policies are implemented by the WHO's Executive Board, composed of members technically qualified in health.

The winner of the $1 million prize, arguably the world's top accolade, will be announced in Oslo on October 9.

The Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony will take place in Oslo on December 10.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a possible contender for the upcoming Nobel Peace Prize award. The WHO is an agency of the United Nations set up in 1948 to improve health globally.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a possible contender for the upcoming Nobel Peace Prize award. The WHO is an agency of the United Nations set up in 1948 to improve health globally. It has more than 7,000 people working in 150 country offices, six regional offices and its Geneva headquarters. The organization's director-general, currently the Ethiopian Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, is elected for a five-year term. Tedros' five-year term began on July 1, 2017. Also read: The World Health Organisation must answer these hard questions in its coronavirus inquiry WHO has been accused of botching its response to the pandemic that emerged in China and being too close to Beijing. The United States formally started its withdrawal from the WHO in July, making good on Trump's threats to deprive the organisation of its top donor. Also read: US President Donald Trump nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 2021 following Israel-UAE deal Against the backdrop of Trump's criticisms, WHO member states in May agreed a resolution calling for an "impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation... to review experience gained and lessons learned from the WHO-coordinated international health response" to the pandemic. The WHO's stated aim is "to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable". It has no power to impose health policies on national governments, but acts as an adviser and offers guidance on best practice in disease prevention and health improvement. The WHO has 194 member states: every country except Liechtenstein which is a member of the United Nations but not of its global health agency. They appoint representatives to The World Health Assembly, which convenes annually and sets WHO policies. These policies are implemented by the WHO's Executive Board, composed of members technically qualified in health. The winner of the $1 million prize, arguably the world's top accolade, will be announced in Oslo on October 9. The Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony will take place in Oslo on December 10.

World Health Organization possible contender for Nobel Peace Prize

Alaa Salah, who had been dubbed "the woman in white" rose to prominence after a video of her addressing Sudanese protesters from a car roof at the beginning of April 2019 went viral.

The woman in white: profile of Sudan’s Alaa Salah, possible contender for Nobel Peace Prize

The Russian President Vladimir Putin has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by a Russian writer Sergey Komkov.

As many suspected Kremlin was behind this nomination, the&nbsp;Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov cleared the air by saying Kremlin did not nominate the President.

"You all know that completely different people are nominated for this award, this is an initiative of those submitting the nomination. In this case, [the nomination was submitted by] the aforementioned writer," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frozen-poo-narcissists-eyebrows-and-alligator-studies-win-spoof-ig-nobel-awards-328584">Also read:&nbsp;Frozen poo, narcissists' eyebrows and alligator studies win spoof 'Ig Nobel' awards</a>

"If this decision is made (to award Putin the prize - TASS) - great, if not, it’s no problem as well," Peskov said.

The nomination has been submitted by a group of Russian public figures, including the famous writer&nbsp;Sergey Komkov. As per the group, the nomination was sent to Oslo on September 10.

The nomination comes during a critical time when the leader has been accused of poisoning his opponent&nbsp;Alexei Navalny, which was confirmed by laboratories in Germnay, France and Sweden, but denied by Russian experts and government.

His nomination came few weeks after the US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-nominated-for-nobel-peace-prize-2021-following-israel-uae-deal-326247">nominated</a> for the&nbsp;Nobel Peace Prize&nbsp;by a&nbsp;Norwegian lawmaker for facilitating peace agreements between countries of Middle East.

The Russian President Vladimir Putin has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by a Russian writer Sergey Komkov. As many suspected Kremlin was behind this nomination, the Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov cleared the air by saying Kremlin did not nominate the President.

The Russian President Vladimir Putin has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by a Russian writer Sergey Komkov. As many suspected Kremlin was behind this nomination, the Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov cleared the air by saying Kremlin did not nominate the President. "You all know that completely different people are nominated for this award, this is an initiative of those submitting the nomination. In this case, [the nomination was submitted by] the aforementioned writer," he said. Also read: Frozen poo, narcissists' eyebrows and alligator studies win spoof 'Ig Nobel' awards "If this decision is made (to award Putin the prize - TASS) - great, if not, it’s no problem as well," Peskov said. The nomination has been submitted by a group of Russian public figures, including the famous writer Sergey Komkov. As per the group, the nomination was sent to Oslo on September 10. The nomination comes during a critical time when the leader has been accused of poisoning his opponent Alexei Navalny, which was confirmed by laboratories in Germnay, France and Sweden, but denied by Russian experts and government. His nomination came few weeks after the US President Donald Trump was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by a Norwegian lawmaker for facilitating peace agreements between countries of Middle East.

After Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin nominated for Nobel Prize

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United States President Donald Trump has been nominated for Nobel Peace Prize 2021 for his role in brokering a deal between Israel and United Arab Emirates

Trump nominated for Nobel Peace Prize weeks before elections

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