Nadia Murad Awarded France’s Legion of Honour

Paris, April 22, 2026 — Nadia Murad, human rights advocate and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was awarded France's highest national honor — the Legion of Honour — by President Emmanuel Macron in a ceremony at the Élysée Palace on April 21.

The Legion of Honour recognizes individuals whose service reflects an exceptional commitment to the values of dignity, justice, and humanity. In awarding this honor, France acknowledged Murad’s global leadership in advancing justice and accountability for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, as well as her work to ensure that survivor voices shape international responses to these crimes.

In recent years, Murad has worked across governments, multilateral institutions, and civil society to elevate survivor-led approaches to justice and recovery. Her advocacy has contributed to a growing international recognition that conflict-related sexual violence is not incidental to war, but often used deliberately — and that meaningful responses must center survivors, pursue accountability, and invest in long-term recovery.

“I am deeply grateful to President Macron and to France for this honor,” said Murad. “France has shown leadership in standing with survivors and advancing justice. This recognition is not only mine — it belongs to every survivor who has spoken out, and to those who continue to seek justice and rebuild their lives. I will continue to use my voice to support survivors around the world and to ensure that these crimes are never ignored.”

During the ceremony, President Macron highlighted Murad’s courage and her sustained efforts to advance accountability, elevate survivor leadership, and support communities affected by conflict. Her work has helped shape a broader global movement focused on justice, prevention, and long-term recovery — one that increasingly recognizes survivors not only as witnesses to injustice, but as leaders in building more effective and humane responses.

For Nadia’s Initiative, this moment reflects the growing international commitment to survivor-centered approaches — and the continued need to turn recognition into action. Around the world, survivors are still waiting for justice, for reparations, and for the support needed to rebuild their lives with dignity.

Murad’s work — and the work of Nadia’s Initiative — continues with that goal at its core.