The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today welcomes the news
of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize which was awarded to Yemeni journalist Tawakkul
Karman. She shares the prize with Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her fellow Liberian Leymah Gbowee "for
their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women's rights to
full participation in peace-building work."
"This is
excellent news and we warmly congratulate Karman whose tenacity, courage and
humanity have been deservedly rewarded," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President.
"This is also the recognition of her remarkable campaign for press freedom in
Yemen which the IFJ and our Yemeni affiliate, the Yemeni Journalists' Syndicate
of which she is a member, have always supported."
The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the prize to Karman, noting that "In
the most trying circumstances, both before and during the "Arab spring",
Tawakkul Karman has played a leading part in the struggle for women's rights
and for democracy and peace in Yemen."
Karman leads
the Yemeni organisation of Women Journalists without Chains which campaigns for
press freedom and she supports anti-government protests for democratic change in the
country. She was arrested and detained on many occasions as a result of the
outspoken criticism of the President Saleh's rule.
The IFJ says
her award shows that the Yemeni journalists don't stand alone and that their
call for a tolerant and open society in Yemen has strong international support.
"This is an
outstanding personal achievement for Kamar as the first Arab woman to receive
the Nobel Peace Prize," added Beth Costa, IFJ General Secretary. "But her goal
to secure peace and fundamental rights to her fellow citizens is an inspiration
to journalists and peace loving people across the world."
For more
information, please contact IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 07
The IFJ represents more than
600.000 journalists in 131 countries