ZLHR, which was nominated for the award by the Canadian Embassy in Harare, was selected from an impressive field of 97 nominees.
The International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, commonly known as Rights & Democracy, heaped praise on ZLHR for playing a leading role in the promotion and protection of human rights across Zimbabwe since its founding twelve years ago.
“Guided by a professional commitment to the rule of law and Zimbabwe’s international human rights obligations, ZLHR provides essential services ranging from legal support for victims of state-endorsed persecution to public education and human rights training for activists and civil society organizations working at the community level,” Rights and Democracy said in a statement.
“Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights provides a vital democratic lifeline for those who would otherwise have no recourse against state-sponsored abuse and persecution. Its determined, non-violent struggle against impunity and repression reminds us that, in the end, tyranny is no match for human dignity and the rule of law,” said Janice Stein, the Chairperson of Rights & Democracy’s Board of Directors.
ZLHR executive director Irene Petras paid tribute to the heroic tenacity of the project’s lawyers and underscored that charges brought against most human rights defenders have been dropped in most cases.
rights defenders have been dropped in most cases.
“Prosecution is used as a tool of persecution,” said Petras.
For over ten years ZLHR has worked tirelessly and fearlessly to advance democratic principles, and has taken on the dangerous task of providing legal representation to persecuted human rights and democracy defenders.
The annual award established in 1992 by Rights & Democracy to honour an organization or individual for exceptional commitment to the promotion of international human rights and democratic development, is named in honour of John Peters Humphrey, the McGill University law professor who prepared the first draft of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It includes a $30 000 grant and a speaking tour of Canadian cities to help increase awareness of the recipient’s human rights work.
Although specific dates and venues are yet to be confirmed, the tour usually takes place during the last weeks of November and the first week of December. The awards ceremony is held every year on December 10th, to coincide with the anniversary date of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Radio VOP