The renowned British playwright and activist Harold Pinter's contribution to international peace and human rights was acknowledged yesterday, when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature.

The Swedish Academy praised Pinter's work for uncovering, "the precipice under everyday prattle," and for forcing, "entry into oppression's closed rooms."

Growing up, Pinter was met with expressions of anti-Semitism, and has indicated the importance of that experience for both his dramatic and political work. Since 1973, Pinter has won recognition as a fighter for human rights. He has been engaged with Kurdish issues for several decades, and has previously described, "the scandalous state of affairs which is simply not reported in the British press."

"The plight of the Kurdish people desperately calls for recognition and support," he has said.

He has been a member of the International Board of Patrons of Kurdish Human Rights Project since the early 1990s. Several of his colleagues and associates have congratulated the Swedish Academy for acknowledging Pinter's dedication and contribution.

Kerim Yildiz, Executive Director, says, "Pinter has always devoted his immense personal and professional skills to highlighting the suffering of some of the most disadvantaged people in the world. We are thrilled, but not surprised, that that dedication has received such prestigious recognition."