Nobel Committee Clarifies: Prize Can Be Given Away, But the Laureate Title is Permanent

The Status of a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

According to Главком: The Nobel Committee has stated that the status of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate is permanent and cannot be revoked. This holds true even if the laureate chooses to give away the medal or other physical components of the award. The Committee clarified that while the prize itself can be transferred, the title of laureate remains forever with the individual who was originally honored.

It is important to note that the Nobel Committee does not comment on the actions or statements of laureates after the award ceremony. Consequently, any decisions made by recipients after receiving the prize do not affect their official status. Furthermore, the statutes of the Nobel Foundation contain no restrictions on how a laureate may dispose of their medal or prize money.

Historical Precedents for Transferring Medals

There are historical examples of laureates transferring their medals to others:

• In 1943, Literature laureate Knut Hamsun gave his medal to Joseph Goebbels.
• Recently, last year's Peace Prize laureate, María Corina Machado, presented her medal to Donald Trump.

These cases demonstrate that while the physical medals can change hands, the laureate's official title and recognition remain unchanged.

This statement from the Nobel Committee underscores that the laureate status itself is a lasting symbol of achievements in peace, even if the tangible awards have different owners over time.

This approach ensures the stability and permanence of a laureate's reputation, regardless of their subsequent actions. It also influences public perception of the award and its significance as a recognition of long-term contributions to global peace and harmony. The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the world's most prestigious awards, and its rules are designed to protect the integrity of the honor itself.