Nobel Peace Prize money to advance universal right to education

Following the prize ceremony - which takes place in Oslo today – the EU has decided that the prize money will go towards funding the education of children in conflict areas. In addition to the prize money of 930,000 euros, the EU will donate 1.07 million euros to the cause, making available a total of 2 million euros for education in conflict zones.

- NRC is pleased that the EU will direct attention generated by the Nobel Peace Prize to promote humanitarian work in conflict zones, said NRC Secretary General Elisabeth Rasmusson.

- It is particularly gratifying that the prize money is earmarked for education in conflict areas. Education should be considered a critical part of any humanitarian response, in line with shelter, food and health care. Unfortunately, it is often deprioritized and underfunded.

Globally, only 2 percent of total humanitarian funding goes into education programmes.
The EU member states and the EU institutions combined contribute more than half of official global humanitarian aid. This makes the EU collectively the world's largest donors of humanitarian aid to people affected by war, conflict or other disasters.

- The European Commission’s department for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) is one of NRC's main donors. We consider ECHO an effective and principled donor. They are quick to contribute funds in emergency situations, but are also a major actor when it comes to prevention of humanitarian crises.  ECHO stands out as an important leader in the effort to uphold humanitarian principles.

- Donating the prize money to strengthen education for children in conflict zones is consistent with the European Union’s overarching efforts to mitigate suffering in conflict, says Rasmusson.