The winner is the first Iraqi to ever scoop the prize

A human rights campaigner represented by Amal Clooney has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Yazidi campaigner Nadia Murad was jointly awarded the prestigious title this weekend alongside Denis Mukwege, a doctor from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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The pair were selected “for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict”.

She was understandably humbled at the award. “I share this award with all Yazidis, with all the Iraqis, Kurds, and all the minorities and all survivors of sexual violence around the world,” she said.

The 25-year-old was kidnapped four years ago before making her escape. She’s since tirelessly campaigned to raise awareness of the plight of Yazidi refugees and campaigned against genocide and sexual violence.

Murad has visited refugee camps as well as given evidence before the UN and addressed heads of state. She’s also become the first UN goodwill ambassador for survivors of trafficking in 2016. In October 2016, she was jointly awarded the Sakharov Prize, the main prestigious human rights prize in Europe.

“Nadia Murad is herself a victim of war crimes. She refused to accept the social codes that require women to remain silent and ashamed of the abuses to which they have been subjected,” the statement said. “She has shown uncommon courage in recounting her own sufferings and speaking up on behalf of other victims.”

British-Lebanese human rights lawyer Amal expressed her delight at Murad scooping the title. “[This] sends a message that survivors of sexual violence must not be ignored and that their abusers must be held to account,” she said. “At a time when so many women’s voices are still silenced, Nadia’s has been heard around the world.”

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Images: Getty