Mario Draghi and Somali NGO win German Marion Dönhoff awards

Mario Draghi, former European Central Bank (ECB) president and Italian prime minister, will receive this year's Marion Dönhoff Prize for International Understanding and Reconciliation for his contributions to Europe's political and economic unity, the German newspaper Die Zeit reported.

The prize's sponsorship award is to go to the Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre in Somalia, the newspaper announced on Thursday. The awards, each worth €20,000 ($22,000), are to be presented on December 6 at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus in Hamburg.

As ECB president, Draghi steered the eurozone safely through a severe financial crisis, the jury said in explaining its decision. When he was Italy's prime minister, he held together a politically divided nation and stood firm against growing nationalism and populism, it continued.

"After leaving office, his report on the future of European competitiveness outlined ways in which the European Union can hold its own in competition with the world powers US and China," the jury said.

The Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre is being honoured for its particular commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation in war-ravaged Somalia. The centre works tirelessly for the rehabilitation and reintegration of former combatants, in particular child soldiers, the jury said.

The centre also makes an invaluable contribution to supporting victims of sexual violence with its Sister Somalia rape crisis facility, it added.

"The Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre has shown courage and compassion by helping the victims of war and supporting girls and women in leading a life of freedom, dignity and self-determination," the jury said.

The Marion Dönhoff Prize, awarded by Die Zeit, the Zeit Stiftung Bucerius and the Marion Dönhoff Foundation, is being presented for the 24th time this year. Last year it was awarded to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).