Foreign Minister Jan Petersen congratulates Ms Shirin Ebadi on the Nobel Peace Prize

Foreign Minister Jan Petersen: "An extremely well-deserved prize to a courageous woman with a strong commitment to democracy and human rights."

The award of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to the Iranian lawyer and human rights champion Shirin Ebadi is a recognition of her long-standing efforts to promote democratic development and human rights in Iran.

Ms Ebadi was Iran’s first woman judge. Throughout her career, she has focused on the rights of women and children. She has untiringly advocated an interpretation of Islam that is in accordance with democratic ideals and respect for the universality and inviolability of human rights.

"She represents forces in Islam that work for dialogue," said the Foreign Minister.

Ms Ebadi has been imprisoned for her activities. In her work as a lawyer, she has always upheld the principles of the rule of law and worked for the implementation of the Human Rights Convention in Iran, regardless of government or political system. She has fearlessly criticised what she considered to be restrictive interpretations and applications of the law, while at the same time working within the law.

Ms Ebadi has always used fundamental human rights as a basis for her work. She has written several books and founded voluntary organisations. Her work focuses on the protection of political prisoners, human rights and the rights of children.

"This year’s Peace Prize goes to a brave and fearless woman. It also underlines how important it is for every individual to work for democracy, human rights and the development of the society they live in", said Mr Petersen.