Human Rights Awards Winners 2008
Award for the Defence of the Human Rights of Women
Ms Cherifa Kheddar - President of Association Djazairouna, Algeria
In
1996, in the middle of Algeria’s violent civil war - or ‘Dark Decade’ -
Cherifa Kheddar witnessed the torture and murder of her brother and
sister. Her husband was also killed, and she narrowly escaped an
attempt on her own life.
Forming the Djazairouna (‘Our
Algeria’) Association, Kheddar united with the survivors and victims of
terrorism. It is estimated that over 150,000 people were killed during
the conflict. A disproportionate number of casualties were women and
children. She fights to give them a voice and campaigns relentlessly
for justice in the wake of more than 10 years of violence and human
rights abuses.
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Award for the Defence of the Human Rights of Children
Mr Christopher Mulenga – Secretary of Friends of the Street Children, ZambiaChristopher
Mulenga and Friends of the Street Children are strong advocates that
street children are like any other children – bright, resilient,
individual and deserving of a future. They believe that building
relationships with street children, based on understanding and respect,
is the only way to help them become responsible, happy members of
society.
They provide refuges for these children, as well as
high quality street-based education and training services. They also
train outreach workers to maintain close and respectful dialogue with
the local community. Their ultimate aim is to help re-integrate
children who want to go back into their families. Since 2001, they have
helped 543 children return to families and homes, with 90% staying off
the streets.
Read more...Award for the Defence of the Human Rights of People With HIV/AIDS
Luapula Foundation, Zambia
The Luapula
Foundation was formed in 2001 with a donation of $870 from Louisiana,
USA. Distressed by the growing numbers of children orphaned by AIDS and
unable to attend school, the fledgling organisation provided 23 orphans
with the school fees, uniforms and supplies they needed.
It
now works directly with over 3,000 orphans, vulnerable children, carers
and families to empower those who are both infected and affected by
HIV/AIDS to take long-term responsibility for their own wellbeing.
The
Luapula Foundation helps orphans and vulnerable children access and
stay in education and training. It trains care givers in farming
methods and children’s rights, so that physical and emotional needs are
provided for. Fundamental to the Foundation’s work is their HIV
Prevention and Education programme which aims to prevent the spread of
HIV/AIDS across the province. Their Life Skills Education Clubs for
young people, and their mobile HIV counselling and testing service help
to build knowledge, self-esteem, and provide practical prevention
advice.
Read more...Award for the Defence of the Human Rights of Disabled People
Ms AsipaMusaeva – President of the Republican Independent Association of Women with Disabilities, Kyrgyz RepublicAsipa
Musaeva founded the Republican Independent Association of Women with
Disabilities in 1996 in order fight for equal rights for women with
disabilities, and enable better integration into ordinary society.
Her
husband, who is reliant on a wheelchair, was confined to their first
floor flat through a lack of ramps in the building, so she began
building an entrance that he could use. Neighbours protested, and the
local authorities broke up the ramp she was building. Refusing to give
up, Musaeva appeared on TV, appealed to the government and the Mayor,
and staged a mass-meeting. Eventually, officials allowed her to build
an entrance with a ramp, and the law on making buildings accessible for
disabled people was passed.
Read more...Award for the Global Defence of Human Rights
Mr Daniel Barenboim An internationally
acclaimed conductor and pianist, Daniel Barenboim is also a prominent
activist for peace in the Middle East. He is the only Israeli in the
world to hold both Israeli and Palestinian passports, and he fiercely
believes that the solution to the conflict in the Middle East is not a
military one.
Music is fundamental to Barenboim’s work with
young people through the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and the
Barenboim-Said Foundation. These projects bring together young
musicians from Israel and the Arab countries, enabling them to combine
musical study with the opportunity for dialogue and reflection. The
spirit of his work with young people is in stark opposition to what he
sees as the savage conflict denying people the possibility to continue
to live and fulfil their ideas and dreams.
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