Human rights groups from Ukraine and Russia, as well as rights advocate Ales Bialiatski of Belarus, have jointly won 2022 Nobel Peace Prize. 

Mr Bialiatski, Russia’s Memorial and Ukraine’s Center for Civil Liberties were announced as winners on Friday. The Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo described them as “outstanding champions of human rights, democracy and peaceful coexistence in the neighbour countries Belarus, Russia and Ukraine.” 

“The Peace Prize laureates represent civil society in their home countries. They have for many years promoted the right to criticize power and protect the fundamental rights of citizens,” the Norwegian Nobel Committee said in its citation.

“They have made an outstanding effort to document war crimes, human rights abuses, and the abuse of power. Together they demonstrate the significance of civil society for peace and democracy,” the head of the Norwegian Nobel committee, Berit Reiss-Andersen, added. 

“It encourages us in our resolve to support our Russian colleagues to continue their work at a new location, despite the forced dissolution of MEMORIAL International in Moscow,” a board member of the human rights group Memorial, Anke Giesen said in a statement. 

Head of  the Center for Civil Liberties, Ukraine, Oleksandra Matviichuk, said the award was an important recognition for their years of work in Ukraine. 

“We are shocked. Even in this morning we knew nothing. We are grateful for this award because we have made a titanic effort at the altar of peace, democracy and freedom. Effort that is still ongoing. The award will give us more strength and inspiration in our further efforts,” Ms Matviichuk, said.