This prize, the most prestigious of all, is an absolute recognition of the work, courage, mobilisation and unfailing commitment of defenders who are part of the same movement: the fight for freedom and human rights.
"This prize is the prize of resistance. Resistance against totalitarianism, against all attempts to silence the voices of those who dare to stand up and denounce human rights violations", said Alice Mogwe, President of FIDH. "This award honours us and gives us an additional responsibility to continue to support our organisations and to continue the fight for a world where the dignity and human rights of all are respected."
FIDH recalls that:
– Ales Bialiatski is currently being arbitrarily detained in the jails of the Lukashenko regime,
– Memorial was dissolved in December 2021 under false pretences by the Russian authorities,
– while CCL members are currently living in a country at war, under aggression by a foreign power.
Despite this, their work continues. It is more crucial than ever.
We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Ales Bialiatski and the other detained Viasna members, for the cancellation of the decision to dissolve Memorial and for the support of Centre for Civil Liberties by the international community.