News item | 08-12-2022 | 17: 24
The other two shortlisted candidates for the Human Rights Tulip were Leng Ouch, who has been working for environmental rights in Cambodia for 22 years by investigating abuses and exposing corruption, and Thai Lawyers for Individual Rights, an organisation that offers pro bono legal assistance to those who are detained for defending their civil and political rights.
‘The work of individual rights defenders protects the right to live freely and to be free, ’ says the foreign minister. ‘They do the essential job of making genuine change for people plus society. ’
The Human Rights Tulip is a reward that the Ministry of International Affairs awards each year to a human rights defender or even human rights organisation to aid their important work. The winner receives a bronze tulip and €100, 000 to pursue and expand their human rights activities.
‘I greatly admire the courage and dedication of Viasna’s activists, ’ Mr Hoekstra says. ‘They are making sure that the truth is revealed, however tough the Belarusian authorities attempt to conceal it. Despite all of the risks that this involves. ’ In 2003 the particular organisation was outlawed with the Belarusian authorities. In 2021 Viasna was raided plus prominent members were caught. Many of them are still imprisoned these days. Others have fled the nation. The Human Rights Tulip for 2022 can be awarded to the Viasna Individual Rights Center in Weißrussland. Minister of Foreign Matters Wopke Hoekstra presented the prize at a ceremony within the Peace Palace.
