SAKHAROV PRIZE FOR FREEDOM OF THOUGHT AWARDED TO DR. MUKWEGE – DEFENDER OF WOMEN

English translation by community member VickyM.

Good day,

It gives us great pleasure to tell you about the awarding of the Sakharov Prize to Dr. Mukwege, who was chosen not only from among the people of Bukavu (South Kivu) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but also from among the people of the world at large. On November 28, 2014, Dr. Mukwege arrived at Kavumu airport in the presence of a large number of people. The very next day, Dr. Mukwege gave a heart-rending speech in front of the large crowd gathered at the award ceremony. Bishop Jean-Luc Kuye Ndondo, president of the Church of Christ in Congo (CCC) then explained the origins of the Sakharov prize and gave a thanksgiving service from his church [sic]. The following details what we consider to be the most memorable parts of his speech:

- Certainly, the Sakharov Prize is an award, but let us not forget that it is also a burden that we must each carry. One day, we will all die, yet over 5 million women, young girls, and children are violated and no one says anything or tries to stop it. Why not?

- In 1996, Dr. Mukwege worked in worn-torn Lemera, located more or less 100km away from the city of Bukavu. Here, he operated on women, in a place where the ill are frequently massacred and many other people simply disappear. And when he became ill himself, a missionary couple (who had accompanied him to the town for care) saved his life [sic]. It was a very emotional time for his 80-year old mother as she sobbed profusely in the arms of others.

- It is time to know the truth: we can only forgive those who ask for forgiveness. The perpetrators must first recognize their crimes, so that we can forgive them and move towards to a better life together [sic].

- We need a justice system, in the traditional sense, to help people find relief. [Too] many of these victims are left alone to deal with their troubles: many of them unable to find their perpetrators; or even recognize them if they do.

- The international community must now draw the line, that is, stop people from using female bodies as weapons of war; let women share in decision making, so that justice can be done; let the wielders of power teach us how us how to respect each others' fundamental rights; and put laws into good practice so that we may rejoice in an egalitarian society. Let religious leaders teach the faithful about the struggle of Sakharov. Finally, may the perpetrators no longer be allowed to move around the world, take part in meetings or be able to put money in our banks…

- Women must come to realize that they possess the power and strength needed to change things themselves and that they can do so by learning how to make decisions for themselves and not letting others do it for them. Let us mutually encourage one another; learn to love one another without discrimination. Banish [all] anti-values (such as rape and sexual violence), letting them be known for the taboos that they are. Raise awareness in everyone to change their [violent] behaviours [sic]. Get ready for a positive change. And finally, did the Panzi youth (who belong to the quarter where he used to work) not install a statue in his image as a symbol of such positivity? Be blessed and join Dr. Denis Mukwege in this arduous task, which is not based in business as some people are led to believe. May God forgive them. WE WANT PEACE AND SECURITY for triumph in absolution. Thank you.