June 14, 2011. (Romereports.com) The Colomba d'Oro prize from the organization “Archivo Disarmo per la pace,” or the Archive for Disarmament for Peace as it's known in English, has been awarded to Marguerita Barankitse and two Italian journalists in Rome. “These people bear witness to the work that is carried out and help to press public opinion to find political solutions to resolve conflicts,” said Fabrizio Battistelli, president of Disarmament for Peace.

Marguerita Barankitse is a victim of war. She witnessed the murder of her family but was later able to overcome her grief and forgive those who took her family. She then founded the Maison Shalom, located in Burundi. It's a center that helps families and is a home to orphaned children.

Fabrizio Battistelli
President, Disarmament for Peace
“It takes us to the heart of Africa, Burundi, a country that has lived, like many others, through truly dramatic scenes from external and internal attacks. Thanks to the strength of this woman, we know the tragic situation of abandoned children living in this country.”

The “Archive for Disarmament for Peace” also gave the Golden Dove Award to the Italian journalists Francesca Paci and Gad Lerner as well as the White Hands Chorus from Friuli, Italy.