Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Oct. 6, 2023. The following are world reactions.
“I join with people around the world in congratulating Narges Mohammadi on being awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize and in celebrating her unshakable courage. Ms. Mohammadi’s commitment to building the future that women and all people in Iran deserve is an inspiration to people everywhere who are fighting for human rights and basic human dignity. She has endured repeated arrests, persecution, and torture at the hands of the Iranian regime, yet Ms. Mohammadi’s advocacy and determination has only grown stronger. This award is a recognition that, even as she is currently and unjustly held in Evin prison, the world still hears the clarion voice of Narges Mohammadi calling for freedom and equality. I urge the government in Iran to immediately release her and her fellow gender equality advocates from captivity.
“Sadly, Ms. Mohammadi’s award comes the same week that horrifying reports have emerged about Iran’s so-called morality police assaulting 16-year-old Armita Geravand for not wearing a headscarf. The people of Iran refuse to be silenced or intimidated as they fight for a free and democratic future for their nation, and their peaceful movement— “Woman, Life, Freedom”—demanding respect for their human rights has brought hope to people the world. We will continue to honor the bravery of all human rights defenders as well as the memory of Mahsa Amini and all those who have been killed, wounded, or imprisoned by the regime. The United States will continue working to support Iranians’ ability to advocate for their own future, for freedom of expression, for gender equality, and to end gender-based violence against women and girls everywhere.
“As part of these efforts, the United States is continuing to lead a diplomatic initiative at the United Nations to highlight, condemn, and promote accountability for Iran’s abuses. We’ve also deployed anti-censorship tools to make it easier for tens of millions of Iranians to access the internet and sanctioned more than 100 Iranian individuals and entities responsible for supporting the regime’s oppression of its people.
“The United States will continue to stand with Ms. Mohammadi, with the brave people of Iran, and with all those around the world who are working with resilience and resolve to make our world more equal and more free.”
U.S. Office of the Special Envoy for Iran
Narges Mohammadi is a hero to so many in Iran and around the world. Today, the entire world stands united in recognizing her courage. Congratulations, Narges. #NobelPeacePrize.
— Office of the Special Envoy for Iran (@USEnvoyIran) October 6, 2023
Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights
“We've seen their courage and determination in the face of reprisals, intimidation, violence and detention.”
“They've been harassed for what they do or don't wear. There are increasingly stringent legal, social and economic measures against them. This really is something that highlights the courage and determination of the women of Iran and how they are an inspiration to the world.”
“We and other partners of the U.N. human rights system have repeatedly called for her release.”
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
SIPRI congratulates Narges Mohammadi on the award of the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize, in recognition of ‘her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all’.
‘Narges Mohammadi is an outstanding individual who has shown extraordinary courage over more than a quarter of a century,’ said Dan Smith, SIPRI Director.
‘This is the third year in a row that the Nobel Committee has chosen to honour human rights activism. In addition, this year’s award highlights the important issue of gender equality’, said Smith.
‘Human rights and gender equality are undoubtedly essential factors of the complex ecology of peace—which is founded on many different factors, including a healthy natural environment, arms control and responsible political leadership,’ said Smith.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanani
“The action of the Nobel Peace Committee is political move in line with the interventionist and anti-Iranian policies of some European governments."
“The Nobel Peace committee has awarded a prize to a person convicted of repeated law violations and criminal acts, and we condemn this as biased and politically motivated.”