[Press-releases] 2008 RRRT/SPC Pacific Human Rights Award winners announced

[Hannah Harborow]

2008 RRRT/SPC Pacific Human Rights Award winners announced
Saturday 6 December 2008, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Suva,
Fiji - Four courageous Pacific Islanders were yesterday honoured with
this year's RRRT/SPC Pacific Human Rights Award to mark the 60th
anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights.

The four will share a total of F$7,500 in recognition of their
extraordinary efforts in advancing human rights throughout the region.

Organised by the Pacific Regional Rights Resource Team of the
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (RRRT/SPC), the awards were
presented in a ceremony in Suva last night (Friday 6 December) by
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Secretary General Tuiloma Neroni Slade
and International Human Rights Officer Tanya Smith of the Office of the
High Commissioner for Human Rights.

PNG Member of Parliament Dame Carol Kidu won the overall award for her
outstanding contribution to promoting the rights of Pacific Islanders;
Setareki Macanawai of the Pacific Disability Forum and Andonia
Piau-Lynch of the Vanuatu Disability Promotion and Advocacy Association
received special citations for advancing the rights of persons with
disabilities; and Lynnsay Rongokea-Francis, a Cook Islander currently
working with the Asia Pacific Forum for Women, Law and Development,
received special recognition for her long-standing support for the
rights of women.

Speaking on behalf of the panel of judges, Ms Smith said the breadth of
nominations was wide as it was varied.
'The nominees have been active in pursuing the rights of women, of the
young and the elderly, of people with a disability and of the homeless,'
she said. 
'They have advocated in favour of the peaceful resolution of conflict,
and for democracy, free speech and public accountability. They have put
at risk their personal safety and financial security, and have
persevered when their goals seemed unattainable.' 
Overall, RRRT/SPC received 18 nominations from across the region. Among
a number of criteria, nominees must have demonstrated strong commitment
to social justice, human rights, democracy and the rule of law, as well
as a high degree of commitment in their personal lives and actions to
the framework of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

This year's event was supported by the Australian Agency for
International Development (AusAID), the New Zealand Agency for
International Development (NZAID), Meridian Consulting and Star Printery
Ltd. 

RRRT provides human rights training, technical support, and policy and
advocacy services tailored specifically for the Pacific region. RRRT is
an SPC programme under the Social Resources Division.

For more information, please contact Sandra Bernklau, RRRT/SPC Programme
Manager, at (679) 994 5198 or email: SandraB at spc.int.


Hannah Harborow
Communications Coordinator

Pacific Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT)
Level 2, Pacific House
Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji
Ph: +679 330 5582 (Ext 103)  Fax: +679 330 6582
www.rrrt.org

The Pacific Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) is an SPC program under
the Social Resources Division with core support from NZAID and AusAID.
RRRT provides training, technical support, policy and advocacy advice in
human rights to promote social justice and good governance throughout
the Pacific region.
 
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