European Parliament President Roberta Metsola recently received Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad at the European Parliament, in a meeting that reaffirmed the institution’s stated commitment to defending human rights and supporting survivors of atrocity crimes.
Nadia Murad, an internationally recognised Ezidi human rights advocate, survived the 2014 genocide committed by ISIS in Iraq. Over the past decade, she has transformed her personal experiences into sustained international advocacy, working to ensure accountability for crimes committed against Ezidis and to strengthen protection for victims of sexual violence in conflict. Murad’s efforts have also focused on raising global awareness of the targeting of Ezidis, whose religious tradition, Sharfadin, and cultural identity were deliberately attacked during the genocide.
The European Parliament has previously honoured Murad’s advocacy. In 2016, she and fellow survivor Lamiya Aji Bashar were awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, recognising their courage in speaking out about the atrocities committed against Ezidis. Two years later, Murad was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in bringing global attention to conflict-related sexual violence and for advocating justice for survivors.
Murad currently serves as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking. Through this role, she continues to engage governments, international organisations, and legal institutions in efforts to prosecute perpetrators and support survivors rebuilding their lives.
Following the meeting, President Metsola highlighted Murad’s influence, describing her journey from survivor to a global advocate as a powerful example of resilience and leadership. Metsola emphasised that Murad’s voice continues to resonate within European institutions and serves as a reminder of the ongoing responsibility to address genocide, human trafficking, and sexual violence in conflict.
The meeting reflects continued engagement between European institutions and advocates working to secure justice for Ezidis. More than a decade after the genocide, many survivors and families of victims are still seeking accountability, recognition, and long-term support. Murad’s advocacy remains central to these efforts, ensuring that the experiences of Ezidis remain visible on the international stage and that demands for justice remain active within global political and legal discussions.
