The President of the European Parliament, Martin Shculz, Wednesday awarded the European Parliament's 2014 Sakharov Prize for the Freedom of Thought to Dr Denis Mukwege from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"By awarding this prize, the European Parliament acknowledges his admirable work as a medical doctor and honours the man who struggles for womenآ’s dignity, for justice and peace in his country," said Schulz.
He noted that the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu which Mukwege founded has become a shelter for thousands of women and girls, victims of sexual violence.
"There they found a helping hand to repair their mutilated bodies and broken souls," said Schulz.
The 50,000 euro Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded each year by the European Parliament. Named after the late Soviet dissident, it was set up in 1988 to honour individuals and organisations defending human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Last year the prize was awarded to Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani campaigner for girls' education.