A doctor who has devoted years to aiding gang-rape victims in the conflict-torn Democratic Republic of Congo has been given Europe 's top human rights award , the Sakharov Prize . Denis Mukwege has dedicated years to providing a rare sanctuary for rape survivors in Bukavu , in the east of his homeland . Many travel hundreds of miles to have their physical and psychological wounds healed at the Panzi Hospital he founded . Rape is used as a weapon of war in the region , making his services crucial . The gynecologist is thought to have operated on more than 40,000 women since setting up his hospital during the 1998 war in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo . During the worst periods of the conflict , it was estimated that one woman was raped every minute in the country , a European Union news release announcing the award said . The conflict in his country may officially be over , but the armed conflict in eastern DRC continues , and instances of gang rape are all too common . The prestigious Sakharov Prize is awarded by the European Parliament , a directly elected body that represents some 550 million people across the continent . It includes prize money of 50,000 euros ( about $ 63,500 ) . Mukwege : 'Abhorrent barbarism ' In a statement posted on the website of the Panzi Foundation USA , Mukwege said that he had received the news of the award `` with humility '' and that his thoughts were with the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world , particularly in his own country . He thanked the European Parliament for shining a spotlight on the `` horrific and abhorrent barbarism '' that plagues eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and called for united action to bring peace , justice and democracy to the troubled region . `` We think about those who fight against stigma and social exclusion , those who fight for justice , and for their rights , '' he said . `` The Sakharov Prize is a strong signal , telling the women they have not been abandoned to the barbaric fate . It tells them that the world listens to them . It is a message of encouragement and hope for all those who struggle for their human rights , for peace and democracy in the DRC and all over the world . '' European Parliament President Martin Schulz said the body 's leaders had decided unanimously to grant the prize to Mukwege `` for his fight for protection especially of women . '' Mukwege continues to perform surgery two days a week as well as managing the hospital and traveling overseas to advocate for women 's rights , the EU said . 'Worse than leprosy ' At the Panzi Hospital , many women are treated for vaginal fistula -- a muscular tear caused by violent rape -- and are also given counseling and treatment for the psychological repercussions of their experiences . Mukwege thinks that fistula , which causes incontinence , is one of the worst conditions a woman can experience . `` A fistula is dramatic for a woman , '' he told CNN in a 2009 interview . `` Everywhere she goes , people do n't want to be around her and reject her , so it 's a disease that is worse than leprosy . '' The women at Panzi Hospital view Mukwege as a father . `` I may be the only one to whom they can express what they feel , '' he said . `` Sometimes it 's important to help them heal psychologically and tell them : 'You are not destroyed . They wanted to destroy you , but you are still a woman . You are a woman , and you need to be strong . ' `` In February of this year , Mukwege was awarded the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Advancing Women in Peace and Security . He was also seen as a contender for this year 's Nobel Peace Prize . It was in fact awarded to children 's education campaigners Malala Yousafzai , who won the Sakharov Prize last year , and Kailash Satyarthi .
Mr Mukwege thanks European Parliament for preventing sexual violence . He says the ' ` ` is a strong signal , telling the women they have not been abandoned '' The Congolese doctor set up a hospital in Brussels to treat survivors of gang rape . The European Prize is the top human rights award given by the European Parliament .