Between 2015 and 2016, at the height of the war in Syria, which created a crisis of refugees arriving in Europe, Merkel decided that Germany would receive 1.2 million refugees and asylum seekers.
On this occasion, Merkel justified her step by stating that Europe is facing a difficult situation. test your values exceptionally, he said it was a “human imperative” to act in such a way, and he firmly rejected the nationalist arguments that sought to thwart the measure. His leadership also allowed Refugees’ suffering is more visible globallysaid UNHCR.
The name of the award comes from the Norwegian scientist and explorer Fridtjof Nansen and the first High Commissioner for Refugees of the League of Nations, the precursor to the United Nations. Refugees and stateless people caused by the First World War.
After making the statement, High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi praised the former monarch’s determination to protect victims of war and persecution, and to defend human rights and international humanitarian law. “he was a true leaderWho knows how to stand firm against those who appeal to our sense of humanity and preach fear and discrimination. It showed what politicians can do when they make the right decisions.”
The public participates online in the nomination of candidates for this award, and their merits are then analyzed by a selection committee and highlighted in the former president’s case. courage and mercy that it showed by offering protection and opportunity to hundreds of thousands of helpless people.
The agency also pointed out that during the Merkel governments, Germany expanded its refugee resettlement program so that refugees who could not return to their country of origin could settle in a third country, which offered them the opportunity to start a new life.
Nansen Prize to be awarded to Angela Merkel next day 10 in Geneva.