The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024 will be conferred on former Chile president and prominent human rights voice Michelle Bachelet.
This was announced by the international jury for the award chaired by former National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon on Friday.
“President Michelle Bachelet is one of the world’s most prominent voices for human rights, peace, and equality. In her various roles as the founding director of UN Women, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and as President of Chile, she has spoken strongly for gender equality and the rights of the most vulnerable sections of the population at home and across the world,” a statement issued by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust said.
“Her personal courage and example in standing for peace and the rights of marginalised people continue to inspire men and women around the world,” it added.
Bachelet, whose full name is Veronica Michelle Bachelet Jeria, is celebrated worldwide for her steadfast commitment to peace, equality, and human rights. In her illustrious career, she has held key positions, including being the Founding Director of UN Women, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and serving two terms as Chile’s first female President.
She has consistently championed gender equality and the rights of marginalised communities.
Born on September 29, 1951, in La Cisterna, Santiago Province, Chile, Bachelet faced significant personal and political challenges during General Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship.
Following her arrest, imprisonment, and torture in 1973, she went into exile in Australia and later Germany.
Undeterred, she returned to Chile to contribute to its political transformation and was elected President in 2006 and again in 2014.
ALSO READ: PM Modi assures Bhutan King of his support for ‘Gelephu Mindfulness City’ during bilateral meet
During her presidency, Bachelet introduced sweeping education and tax reforms. Her tenure also witnessed the signing of a free trade agreement between India and Chile, enhancing bilateral ties.
The Indira Gandhi Prize recognizes Bachelet’s extraordinary contributions to promoting gender equality, democracy, and development, as well as strengthening India-Chile relations.
