UNITED NATIONS, United States, Oct 7, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Friday congratulated the winners of the Nobel Peace Prize -- three rights groups from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus -- saying the win "shines a spotlight on the power of civil society to advance peace."

"Civil society groups are the oxygen of democracy, and catalysts for peace, social progress and economic growth," Guterres said. 

"They help keep governments accountable and carry the voices of the vulnerable into the halls of power," he added, calling on the world to support "the brave defenders of universal values of peace, hope and dignity for all" in the face of increasing attacks.