Yazidi human rights activist and Nobel laureate Nadia Murad received the National Order of the Legion of Honor from French President Emmanuel Macron, expressing gratitude to the country and dedicating the recognition to “every woman and girl who continues to speak, even when the world is not yet ready to listen."

The National Order of the Legion of Honor (Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur) is France’s most distinguished and prestigious decoration.

Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, it was created to recognize exceptional merit across military and civilian spheres. Unlike traditional royal orders, it is founded on egalitarian principles, allowing it to be conferred upon any citizen regardless of social status, rank, or religion.

President Emmanuel awarded the medal to Murad during a ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Wednesday. 

Murad and Macron last met in March 2025 in Paris, where they discussed the ongoing progress of Nadia's Initiative and the opening of the Sinjar (Shingal) French Medical Center. He described her as "the courageous voice of the survivors."

Nadia Murad Praises France’s Support and Leadership

After the recognition, she said in a statement on X that “France has always held a special place in my heart."

It is a country that has chosen to stand with survivors, to listen when it matters most, and to act when doing so is not easy,” she added.

Murad emphasized that true leadership is about listening—to power and pain alike—in a world where many feel unheard.” To those whose voices are often ignored and whose struggles remain unseen.

She highlighted that President Macron exemplifies "what it means to lead with conviction and humanity, and for that I am deeply grateful.”

“This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to every survivor who refused to stay silent—and to every woman and girl who continues to speak, even when the world is not yet ready to listen,” Murad underlined. 

Nadia Murad Champions Justice and Rebuilding

Nadia Murad is a courageous Yazidi human rights activist who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018. 

After surviving the 2014 Yazidi genocide perpetrated by ISIS—during which she endured abduction and sexual enslavement in Mosul—she escaped and transformed her suffering into a powerful global movement.

Through her nonprofit, Nadia’s Initiative, she has worked tirelessly to rebuild the Yazidi homeland in Shingal and advocate for the legal prosecution of ISIS members for crimes against humanity.