Ilham Ahmed, a Kurdish politician from Syria, and Sherwan Sherwani, a Kurdish journalist and activist from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, have been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Ahmed is a leading figure in the administration of North and East Syria, known for her advocacy for democracy and women’s rights. Sherwani, a prominent journalist, has been imprisoned since 2020 for his work in exposing corruption and human rights violations. Their nominations highlight their significant contributions to peace, democracy, and freedom of expression in the those regions.
Ilham Ahmed: A Voice for Kurdish Self-Governance and Women’s Rights
Ilham Ahmed, born in Afrin, Syria, has been an influential political figure in Rojava since the 1990s. She played a vital role in the formation of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the political wing of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDC represents a multiethnic coalition that has worked toward democratic governance in the most stable part of war-torn Syria.
Ahmed is also a dedicated advocate for women’s rights and has participated in numerous international conferences as part of the Syrian Women’s Initiative for Peace and Democracy (SWIPD). She has been instrumental in the development of policies promoting gender equality in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).
Under her leadership, AANES has maintained a secular, decentralized governance model despite ongoing threats from both the Syrian regime and Turkish military operations. She has built alliances with global powers, including the U.S., in the fight against ISIS. Her nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize is a recognition of her efforts in stabilizing the region, empowering women, and advocating for Kurdish self-governance.
Sherwan Sherwani: The Imprisoned Journalist and Human Rights Advocate
Sherwan Amin Sherwani, a journalist from Akre in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, has faced multiple arrests due to his investigative journalism. Born in 1983, he earned a degree in management and economics but dedicated his career to journalism. He worked for various independent publications, including Awena, Livin, and Hawlaty, and later founded Bashur magazine in 2011.
Sherwani’s work focused on exposing government corruption and human rights violations. His magazine, published in both Sorani and Badini dialects, was revolutionary in raising political awareness. However, his activism led to repeated arrests, including a major crackdown in 2019 when he and 70 other activists were detained for their involvement in protests.
On October 7, 2020, Sherwani was abducted from his home by security forces and held in solitary confinement for 67 days. Despite international pressure, he was sentenced to six years in prison by a court widely criticized for lacking due process. Reports from human rights organizations and diplomats indicated that Sherwani faced torture and threats against his family while in custody.
While in prison, his sentence was controversially increased by 50% due to his statements to the media. In July 2023, he received an additional four-year sentence based on allegations of document forgery.
Symbolic Nominations in the Fight for Justice and Freedom
The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded since 1901, recognizing individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to peace. So far, 103 individuals and 27 organizations have received the award, including 18 women.
The nomination of both Ahmed and Sherwani underscores the broader struggles for democracy, self-governance, and freedom of expression in the Kurdish regions of Syria and Iraq. Ahmed represents the push for an inclusive, autonomous political system in Syria, while Sherwani symbolizes the fight for press freedom and human rights in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
