The jury said in the statement that Michelle Bachelet is an example and inspiration for women and men around the world for her persistent efforts for peace, gender equality, human rights, democracy and development in difficult circumstances and for her contribution to India’s relations with Chile. .
Former Chilean President and global human rights advocate Michelle Bachelet has been awarded the 2024 ‘Indira Gandhi Peace Prize’ for peace, disarmament (arms reduction) and development. The announcement was made by an international jury headed by India’s former National Security Advisor and Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon. The jury said the ‘Indira Gandhi Peace Prize’ recognizes Bachelet’s extraordinary contribution to promoting gender equality, democracy and development, as well as strengthening India-Chile relations.
“The ‘Indira Gandhi Prize’ for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024 is awarded to Her Excellency Michelle Bachelet. She continues to champion the cause of peace, gender equality, human rights, democracy in difficult circumstances for women and men around the world,” the jury said in a statement. and an example and inspiration for his continued efforts for development and his contribution to India’s relations with Chile.”
Veronica Michelle Bachelet Jeria is known around the world for her strong commitment to peace, fighting against inequality and human rights. In his illustrious career, he has held many important positions. This includes two terms as founding director of UN Women, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the first female President of Chile. She has consistently advocated for gender inequality and the rights of marginalized communities, leaving an indelible mark domestically and internationally.
Bachelet, born on September 29, 1951, in La Cisterna, Chile’s Santiago province, faced significant personal and political challenges during the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet. Following his arrest, imprisonment and torture in 1973, he lived in exile in Australia and later Germany. Without interruption, she returned to contribute to Chile’s political transformation and was elected president in 2006 and again in 2014. While in office, Bachelet carried out education and tax reforms. During his tenure, a free trade agreement was also signed between India and Chile, which enhanced bilateral relations.
Beyond the presidency, Michelle Bachelet led global efforts to promote gender equality as the first director of UN Women from 2010 to 2013. Later, as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2018 to 2022, she vocally addressed important global issues, including human rights abuses in Palestine and other conflict zones. His unwavering commitment to LGBTQ rights, democracy and progressive values has made him an inspirational figure around the world. Despite facing criticism, she has continued to fight for peace and justice.
The ‘Indira Gandhi Peace, Disarmament and Development Award’ is given every year by the Congress-affiliated organization ‘Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust’ to any person or organization in the world who has made a significant contribution to the work of social service, disarmament or development. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh and a citation.
