“A lesson she leaves for history”: In 2015, former Chancellor Merkel decided to open Germany to refugees. Now he has been honored for it.

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel has been awarded the Peace Prize by the United Nations cultural organization UNESCO. “The entire jury was impressed by his bold decision to take in more than 1.2 million refugees from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Eritrea in 2015,” said jury chairman and 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege in Paris. “It’s a lesson she leaves for history.”

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay also paid tribute to Merkel’s commitment. “Peacebuilding is also about opening doors for those who are suffering,” she explained. “The jury’s decision is a reminder that welcoming migrants and refugees is a major concern.”

The award is named after the former premier of Ivory Coast, Felix Hauffouet-Bogen. The Peace Prize is awarded annually since 1989 to individuals, organizations or institutions that have made special efforts to promote, research or secure peace. It is not yet clear when the award will be given to Merkel.