UN commends Tunisian Dialogue Quartet on Nobel Peace Prize win

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon applauded the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet on being awarded this year’s Nobel Prize for Peace.

“I congratulate the members of the Quartet – the Tunisian General Labour Union; the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts; the Tunisian Human Rights League; and the Tunisian Order of Lawyers,” said a statement issued today by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson in New York.

The UN chief lauded Tunisia for “managing to avoid the disappointment and dashed hopes” that arose after the ‘Arab Spring,’ that tragically have emerged in other regions. He added that this tribute highlights the lasting progress of an inclusive process.

“In a larger sense, I salute the Tunisian people – this recognition belongs to all those who gave birth to the Arab Spring and are striving to safeguard the sacrifices of so many,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Irina Bokova, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) also welcomed the attribution and said that the award represents hope for “the Arab world and beyond, and this prize incites us to give it our full support.”

“The Prize is a tribute and a call to support all civil society forces engaged in the fight for democracy, pluralism and rule of law. It is when these principles are attacked that we must reiterate them ever more forcefully through social dialogue, youth mobilization, without difference of gender, origin or faith,” said Ms. Bokova in a press release.

As leaders of civil society, the Tunisian National Quartet helped drive the change that Tunisians demanded. Their roles were central to the country’s stability, integrity and pursuit of justice.

“The Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet offers hope that serious political challenges can be overcome through dialogue and consensual politics. Their example is an inspiration to the region and the world,” the statement from Mr. Ban further noted.

The UN chief reaffirmed the commitment of the UN to proudly stand in solidarity with the awardees as they work to build the peaceful and democratic nation that the Tunisian people deserve.