While people in Ukraine are delighted that the former Soviet Union's Belarusian human rights activists and Russian and Ukrainian human rights groups have been selected for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, government officials are calling for a military invasion. There have also been critical reactions to receiving the award jointly with a Russian organization that continues to do so.

On the 7th, a selection committee in Oslo, the capital of Norway, chose this year's Nobel Peace Prize to

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Belarusian human rights activist Ares Bialiaczki, the


Russian human rights group "Memorial"


, and the Ukrainian human rights group "Civil Liberty Center".


announced that



In response to the fact that the "Civil Liberty Center" was awarded the prize, a 38-year-old man said, "I think it's a very good timing. It is a very important event to let people know the current situation in Ukraine."



On the other hand, Ukrainian presidential adviser Podlyak tweeted on the 7th, "It is interesting about the word 'peace' if the Nobel Prize selection committee will award the Nobel Prize to the representatives of the two countries that attacked Ukraine. I'm interpreting it," he criticized with sarcasm that the award was shared with Russia, which continues its military invasion of Ukraine, and Belarus, which supports it.



The Russian president's office did not respond to the announcement of the Nobel Peace Prize, and a spokesman for the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the 7th, "In recent years, the Nobel Peace Prize decision has been too political. I no longer feel like commenting. ”.

'Memorial' Executives Say 'This Award Gives New Strength'

Executives of the Russian human rights group "Memorial", which was selected for the Nobel Peace Prize, responded to interviews by NHK and others in Moscow, the capital, on the 7th.



Among them, Mr. Jan Rachinsky said, "I was surprised and happy. I don't think the political situation in Russia will change anytime soon, but I hope that this award will improve the atmosphere in Russian civil society."



In addition, Oleg Orlov said: "Given the depressing situation over the past few months, this is very important. This award gives us new strength. We will continue to work for human rights, not only for us." I think it's an award given to the entire Russian community," he said, adding that since the military invasion of Ukraine began, the pressure on human rights activists and others in Russia has intensified. I evaluated it as encouraging.



He also touched on the many activists, including Russian dissident leader Mr. Navalny, who is still imprisoned in prison, as well as those detained for protests, saying, "Their fighting spirit and anti-war The attitude deserves this award more than we do," he said, praising those who continue to fight even when their lives are in danger.

UN Secretary-General: Spotlight on the power of civil society to advance peace

“This year’s Nobel Peace Prize shines a spotlight on the power of civil society to advance peace. They are catalysts for peace, social progress and economic growth.They bring the voices of the vulnerable to the center of power."



In addition, Secretary-General Guterres expressed a sense of crisis that human rights activists around the world are now facing arbitrary detention and violence. Let's go."

Belarusian human rights group 'fight was recognized'

A lawyer for the human rights group "Spring" founded by Belarus's Ares Bialiatsuki, who was selected for the Nobel Peace Prize, said on SNS on the 7th, "This award is wonderful. The achievements of people who defend human rights are internationally recognized. The award is a signal to the whole world that it appeals to stand up for human rights values. The fight for the people is recognized," he said.

UN Human Rights Council adopts resolution to investigate human rights situation in Russia

The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on the 7th to appoint a new special rapporteur to investigate the human rights situation in Russia.



The resolution expresses serious concern about the severe restrictions on freedom of expression in Russia due to crackdowns on human rights groups and independent media, and the Russian human rights group selected for this year's Nobel Peace Prize. It also mentions that Memorial was forcibly disbanded.



In the future, the selected special rapporteurs will conduct investigations in and outside of Russia over the course of a year and plan to submit reports to the Human Rights Council and the United Nations General Assembly. I am asking you not to.



Of the 47 council members, 17 voted in favor, including Western countries, Japan, and South Korea, while 6 countries, including China and Venezuela, voted against, and 24 countries, including the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, abstained.



“Western countries are using the Human Rights Council to achieve their political ends,” said a Russian representative before the vote.