María Corina Machado is Venezuela’s most visible and influential opposition leader. She has been awarded the coveted Nobel Peace Prize for her unceasing efforts to foster democratic rights even in the face of Myanmar’s extensive political upheaval. The declaration was issued by the Norwegian Nobel Committee—the body charged with annually naming the committee. This year’s selection process was extremely competitive. It was a well-deserved recognition and an honor worth the fight. A record 338 candidates (244 individuals and 94 organizations) competed for the honor.
The Nobel Peace Prize institiute will be taking place in Norways capitol Oslo. Different from the other Nobel awards that are held in Sweden, this one has a very special home. The committee The Norwegian Nobel Committee is made up of five members who are appointed by Norway’s parliament, the Storting. Their decisions are guided by the ideals articulated by Alfred Nobel himself.
In its announcement, the committee highlighted not only Machado’s bravery but her fearless commitment to her cause. “She is filled with both courage and integrity,” stated Jørgen Watne Frydnes, the chair of the committee. Machado’s groundbreaking achievement underscores the immense obstacles she needs to overcome. In the past year, her political activism has landed her in hiding as she continues to fight boldly for democratic reforms in Venezuela.
Machado’s journey has not been an easy one, but through it all she’s been resilient and tenacious. In just a few months, she has evolved into a beacon of hope for many Venezuelans tired and disillusioned by a decade-long authoritarian rule. It is this kind of work that has earned her international acclaim. Her efforts earned her a spot on TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of the Year list, cementing her image as an international leader for human rights.
Take action to raise up the heroes on this year’s Nobel Peace Prize nominees list! Issa Amro and Jeff Halper are known worldwide for their nonviolent activism against occupation in Palestine, and Chow Hang-tung is known as Hong Kong’s most famous barrister and human rights activist. Former U.S. President Donald Trump was nominated by Republican Representative Claudia Tenney. That has led to some alarming amongst the Norwegian political class over what would happen to U.S.-Norway relations if he fails to win the award.
The committee’s decision is a welcome sign that the committee is committed to honoring individuals and organizations that show exceptional and exemplary spirit in fostering peace and democracy. Frydnes said it wasn’t just the committee’s focus on fostering commitment. They are committed to recognizing those whose work embodies the ideals advanced by Alfred Nobel.