Pfeffer Peace Prize

  • In 2014, the Fellowship of Reconciliation awarded Widad the International Pfeffer Peace Prize for her worldwide work for peace and justice.
  • She dedicated her award to the victims of war and terror: the residents of Kobane, the Yazidis and the Christians of the Middle East.

 

 

 

“The momentum you created in favor of a UN resolution on a strong and an effective Arms Trade Treaty, your commitment to combat armed gender-based violence, and your successful lobbying for the adoption of the new UN Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict as well as the UN Resolution 2117 exclusively dedicated to illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse of small arms and light weapons around the World are outstanding contributions to shifting the current culture of violence, and we are grateful for your work.” ~ Reverend Kristin Stoneking, Executive Director of Fellowship of Reconciliation, July 2014

 

 

 

The Fellowship of Reconciliation

The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) is an interfaith peace and justice organisation based in the United States. Since 1915, FOR has carried out programs and educational projects on domestic and international peace and justice, nonviolence and the rights of conscience. FOR is a branch of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation with affiliates in over 50 countries.

 

Defend International Announcement, October 2014

Dr. Widad Akreyi, the co-founder of Defend International was awarded the International Pfeffer Peace Prize "for her worldwide work for peace and justice." She dedicated the award to the victims of persecution, particularly the Yazidis, Christians, and all residents of Kobane region.

The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), the prestigious US-based international peace organization, during a special ceremony at the Peace House on October 13, awarded Dr. Widad the 2014 International Pfeffer Peace Award. This highly honorable award, established by Leo and Freda Pfeffer, honors those working for peace and justice around the world.

Reverend Kristin Stoneking, the Executive Director of FOR, announcing the winner said that Dr. Widad was selected to receive the 2014 International Pfeffer Peace Prize for her work as a human rights defender, peace activist, and co-founder of Defend International. "The momentum you created in favor of a UN resolution on a strong and an effective Arms Trade Treaty, your commitment to combat armed gender-based violence, and your successful lobbying for the adoption of the new UN Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict as well as the UN Resolution 2117 (2013) exclusively dedicated to illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse of small arms and light weapons around the World are outstanding contributions to shifting the current culture of violence, and we are grateful for your work," Reverend Stoneking said.

In accepting the award, Dr. Widad thanked the Fellowship of Reconciliation and stated: "It is an honour to receive this award. As the current crises continue, civilians, including children, the elderly, the physically or mentally disabled, and those with certain health conditions, are paying the price. With your support, we will be able to help some of those who are most in need." 

FOR formally informed Dr. Widad of their decision in July 2014, announced the decision in September 2014, and the award was presented by FOR international coordinator, Reverend Lucas Johnson. Widad dedicated the award to the victims of war worldwide and to the 50 million refugees who have been displaced as a direct result of conflicts, persecution or the irresponsible transfer of conventional arms. She particularly mentioned the Yazidis, the Christians and other minorities, as well as all the residents of Kobane region. "The prize will serve as a symbol of empowerment for marginalized populations, for the survivors and their families," she added.

In her role as a Peace Ambassador, she took the opportunity to acknowledge the work of other NGOs, international organizations or networks, state institutions, civil society organizations and individuals active in the areas of peace and justice.

Book Trailers of Widad's Memoir