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President Obama’s Remarks at the Acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize

President Barack Obama


2009-12-10

On December 10, 2009, International Human Rights Day, President Barack Obama accepted the Nobel Peace Prize.  In his acceptance speech, President Obama acknowledged existing threats to global peace and the work that must be done to strengthen diplomacy and advance the human condition.  The President directly addressed United States involvement in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and maintained that engaging in war does not indicate a lack of dedication to peace.  However, the President noted, the use of force is not an invitation to lawlessness.  President Obama emphasized the importance of the laws that govern the use of force and insisted that those who violate these international standards be held accountable.  Finally, the President argued that while sometimes necessary, war alone is never enough to bring peace.  He urged the international community to strengthen diplomacy, nation building, and development, and to respect the fundamental dignity of every person. Read the full remarks here.


 

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