Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter
The Carter Center
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter
| Peace is more than the absence of conflict. It encompasses democratic ideals and protection of human rights. Not only does the lack of peace often lead to poverty, it is as well one of poverty's many symptoms. Building peace and cultivating democracy prevents conflict and instability, improves governance, and strengthens the rule of law. When citizens are empowered, they use their voices to influence policy, protect human rights, and hold their governments accountable. |
The Nobel Peace Prize 2002
Nobel Lecture
"War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how
necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn
how to live together in peace by killing each other's children.
The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness
of our fears and prejudices. God gives us the capacity for
choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to
work together for peace. We can make these changes—and we
must."
Jimmy Carter 2002
