Kerry Kennedy
Founder of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights and Chairman of “Speak Truth to Power” Programme.
Award Motivation
Human rights defender ‘speaking truth to power’ around the world.
Award details
Kerry Kennedy was recognised with the 2006 Gold Mercury Humanitarian Award for her work as an internationally renowned human rights activist, the Founder of both The Robert F Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights and the “Speak Truth to Power Programme.” Her dedication to raising awareness of human rights over many years has been commendable. She began her work in human rights in 1981 and since this time has led more than 40 delegations to various countries in the search for equal justice.
Ms Kennedy established the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights in 1987 to protect the rights codified under the UN Declaration of Human Rights. Her commitment and work regarding human rights covers diverse issues such as child labour, indigenous land rights, freedom of speech, judicial independence, ethnic violence and women’s rights. Her book Speak Truth to Power: Human Rights Defenders Who are Changing our World is a powerful representation of those individuals, from more than forty countries who are seeking to advance human rights. The book features interviews with these human rights defenders and is accompanied by powerful portraits by world renowned photographer Eddie Adams.
“I accept the Gold Mercury Award, not for myself, but on behalf of all the human rights defenders around the world. They are people who stand up to government and oppression. They face imprisonment, torture and death fighting for the basic rights that we all take for granted.”
LAUREATE VIDEOS
Kerry Kennedy Awards Acceptance Speech
Part 1
Kerry Kennedy Awards Acceptance Speech
Part 2
Kerry Kennedy Awards Acceptance Speech
Part 3
Kerry Kennedy Awards Acceptance Speech
Part 4
