My best congratulations go to Dr Denis Mukwege and to Nadia Murad on being awarded the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize. In fact, it is hard to imagine two more worthy winners. This is richly deserved recognition of these two extraordinarily and effective campaigners against the sexual violence, and the use of rape as a weapon of war.

Nadia Murad gave voice to unspeakable abuse in Iraq when the violent extremists of Daesh brutally targeted the Yazidi people, especially women and girls. As a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime since 2016, she has pursued support for victims of human trafficking and sexual slavery and justice for perpetrators. Her powerful advocacy has touched people across the world and helped to establish a vitally important United Nations investigation of the harrowing crimes that she and so many others endured.

Dr Denis Mukwege has been a fearless champion for the rights of women caught up in armed conflict who have suffered rape, exploitation and other horrific abuses. Despite regular threats to his life, he made the Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a haven from mistreatment. Dr Mukwege has been a strong voice calling the world’s attention to the shocking crimes committed against women in wartime.

Today the Nobel Committee recognized the efforts of Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege as vital tools for peace. By honouring you as human rights, this prize also recognizes countless victims around the world who have too often been stigmatized, hidden and forgotten. Thank you for everything you have done. We need more people to stand up the way you have stood up for the rights of women and against violence.