2024 Indira Gandhi Peace Prize Awarded to Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet
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New Delhi, Dec 6 (NationPress) Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile and a prominent global champion for human rights, has received the 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development.
The declaration was made by an international jury led by Shivshankar Menon, former National Security Advisor and Foreign Secretary of India.
“The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2024 is presented to Her Excellency Michelle Bachelet for being an inspiring example to individuals around the globe, persistently working towards peace, gender equality, human rights, democracy, and development despite facing challenging conditions, as well as her vital contributions to India's relations with Chile,” the statement elaborated.
Bachelet, whose complete name is Veronica Michelle Bachelet Jeria, is renowned globally for her unwavering dedication to peace, equality, and human rights. Throughout her remarkable career, she has occupied significant roles, including being the Founding Director of UN Women, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and serving two terms as the first female President of Chile.
She has consistently advocated for gender equality and the rights of marginalized groups, making a profound impact both at home and abroad.
Born on September 29, 1951, in La Cisterna, Santiago Province, Chile, Bachelet encountered significant personal and political adversities during General Augusto Pinochet's regime. After her arrest, imprisonment, and torture in 1973, she sought refuge in Australia and later in Germany. Undeterred, she returned to Chile to aid in its political transformation, eventually being elected President in 2006 and again in 2014.
During her presidency, Bachelet implemented extensive education and tax reforms. Her administration also saw the establishment of a free trade agreement between India and Chile, strengthening bilateral relations.
After her presidency, Bachelet spearheaded worldwide initiatives for gender equality as the inaugural Director of UN Women from 2010 to 2013. Later, as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2018 to 2022, she outspokenly addressed critical global matters, including human rights violations in Palestine and other conflict areas.
Her steadfast commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, democracy, and progressive values has established her as an inspirational figure worldwide. Despite facing opposition, she has remained a relentless advocate for peace and justice.
The Indira Gandhi Prize acknowledges Bachelet's exceptional contributions to fostering gender equality, democracy, and development, along with reinforcing India-Chile relations. Her resilience and commitment serve as a guiding light for individuals across the world.
