Latest news with #NelsonMandelaPrize
Scoop
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Mandela's Legacy ‘is Now Our Responsibility', Guterres Says On International Day
In his remarks, the Secretary-General celebrated the extraordinary life of the South African civil rights icon, affectionately known by his Khosa clan name, Madiba. 'He endured the brutal weight of oppression, and emerged not with a vision of vengeance and division – but of reconciliation, peace and unity,' Mr. Guterres said. 'Today, Madiba's legacy is now our responsibility. We must carry forward his commitment to peace, justice and human dignity.' To honour this legacy, the UN chief awarded the annual Nelson Mandela Prize to two individuals who reflect the late leader's commitment to peace and collective action, and this year's theme of combating poverty and inequity: Brenda Reynolds of Canada and Kennedy Odede of Kenya. Brenda Reynolds: turning pain into action Brenda Reynolds is a Saulteaux member from Fishing Lake First Nation in Canada, and as a social worker she has spent decades advancing Indigenous rights, mental health and trauma-informed care. 'There are many parallels to what we had experienced in both our countries, where the governments made impacted policies to change who we are, to face oppression, to face violations of human rights in our countries,' Ms. Reynolds said in her acceptance speech. In 1988, she supported 17 teenage girls in the first residential school sexual abuse case in Saskatchewan. 'These charges were the beginning of other disclosures that came from across Canada from survivors speaking about their sexual abuse experiences. Those charges and the disclosures became the largest class action lawsuit to date in Canada,' known as Canada's Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, she explained. Afterwards, she became a special adviser to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and developed the Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program – both created by the agreement – helping shape survivor support and trauma responses nationwide. Kennedy Odede: from slums to CEO After growing up in Kenya's Kibera Slum, Kennedy Odede went from living on the street to global recognition when he was named one of TIME magazine's 2024 100 Most Influential People and became a New York Times bestselling author. 'At ten years old, fleeing domestic violence, I joined the ranks of Nairobi's street children. One day I stole a mango because I was starving. A mob gathered to beat me dead, until a stranger stepped forward, paid for that mango, and in that single act of grace, showed me that kindness could interrupt cycles of violence,' Mr. Odede recounted in his acceptance speech. He began his journey as an activist by saving his meagre factory earnings to buy a soccer ball and bring his community together. 'That ball was not just for play; it was a tool for organising. A centre around which a community could form,' he said. This soon grew into Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), the largest grassroots movement in Kenya he now leads as CEO. SHOFCO operates across the country, empowering local groups and delivering vital services to over 4 million people annually. 'Mandela showed all of us at SHOFCO, that leadership is not a privilege reserved for those born to power. It belongs to anyone willing to serve and look within.'
El Chorouk
11-05-2025
- Politics
- El Chorouk
UN Mandela Prize 2025: Makhzen's Nomination, A Moral and Political Farce
Moroccan human rights activists and journalists considered their country's nomination for the 2025 United Nations Nelson Mandela Human Rights Prize a 'moral and political scandal and an official whitewash of its dark criminal record.' They called for the nomination to be withdrawn to preserve the credibility of the UN international institution. In an article titled 'Morocco's Nomination for the Mandela Prize… When the Executioner Demands the Victim's Medal,' Moroccan blogger and human rights activist Mohamed Kandil said, 'Morocco's nomination for this prize is yet another farce added to the archive of official impudence of the Makhzen regime.' He added, 'When Morocco nominates itself for the Nelson Mandela Prize, it's as if the Makhzen is asking the world to believe that mass graves, secret prisons, and torture chambers are merely transient human rights violations.' He emphasised in this context that 'the National Council for Human Rights in Morocco, whose president, Amina Bouayach, was nominated for this prize, has become nothing more than a human rights polishing arm for the repressive apparatus. How can it now be presented to the world as the face of human rights in Morocco after all that it has done to the Rif movement, journalists, and political prisoners?' He emphasized that 'the Makhzen regime does not represent the people or the victims, but rather is merely a security institution adept at public relations at international forums.' He explained in this context that 'Amina Bouayach is neither an activist nor an independent woman, but rather a mere intelligence agent, recruited within the official propaganda network, called upon when necessary to endorse the crimes of the Makhzen state, distort the reports of international organizations, and cover up the various forms of torture in the country.' He asked sarcastically, 'Who's the Mandela that Morocco wants to emulate? Is he Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for defending dignity and freedom? Or the Mandela of the Makhzen, who imprisons activists on 27 fabricated charges in a 27-minute sham trial?' The Moroccan human rights activist believes that Morocco's nomination for this prize is a 'moral and political scandal,' adding, 'Awarding Morocco this prize is an official whitewash of a dark record and a slap in the face of every prisoner of conscience, every mother who lost her son under torture, and every Moroccan who was displaced or persecuted for daring to say no to injustice, tyranny, and corruption.' For his part, Moroccan writer and journalist Ali Lahrouchi wrote in an article that 'Morocco's nomination for this prize is an insult to United Nations institutions, as the Nelson Mandela Prize is a global recognition of human commitment to principles, values, and ethics, the prioritization of the public interest over personal interest, transcending vengeful thinking, and remaining patient and steadfast in adhering to principles…' Ali Lahrouchi asserted that Morocco 'is still living in the Middle Ages,' asking, 'What has changed in Morocco for Amina Bouayach to be nominated for the prize of Nelson Mandela, the courageous fighter?' In this regard, he emphasized that 'everyone who criticized, opposed, or commented on the backward practices in Morocco was subjected to assassination, kidnapping, torture, arrest, marginalization, and retaliation through the use and subjugation of all relevant institutions, starting with the intelligence, security, gendarmerie, judiciary, and prisons, to silence all voices opposing or criticizing the dictatorial policies pursued in Morocco.' Hence, he confirmed, 'Morocco's history is replete with all forms of human rights violations and abuses, and its mere nominating it for this prize is an insult to the freedom fighter Nelson Mandela.' He warns that Morocco's victory 'will be the last nail in the coffin of the United Nations and its institutions, which will never receive any respect.' In turn, human rights activist and former prisoner Saida el-Alami wondered, 'Morocco is submitting its nomination for the Nelson Mandela Human Rights Prize? What rights exactly, when Moroccan citizens enjoy no political, civil, or economic rights?' In her remarks, el-Alami addressed the suffering of the Moroccan people due to the Makhzen's policies in various sectors and their lack of the most basic rights that guarantee a decent life. She highlighted the worsening deterioration of human rights in the Kingdom, in light of the judiciary's use of retaliation against opponents, fabricating charges against human rights activists, and violating the rights of detainees in police stations and prison cells. The Moroccan human rights activist concluded her remarks by saying, 'I don't understand the basis on which Morocco was nominated for this prize. If Nelson Mandela were alive, he would have cancelled this award as long as the enemies of humanity continue to nominate it.'
Ya Biladi
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Rif separatist party joins Polisario campaign against Bouayach's Mandela Prize nomination
A separatist party from Morocco's Rif region has joined the Polisario's campaign opposing the nomination of Amina Bouayach, president of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), for the 2025 Nelson Mandela Human Rights Prize awarded by the United Nations. In a statement issued from Paris, the self-proclaimed «Rif Nationalist Party» voiced strong opposition to Bouayach's candidacy for the prestigious award. The party described the nomination as «a grave insult to the memory and legacy of Nelson Mandela, a global symbol of the fight against injustice, torture, and oppression», alleging that the Kingdom of Morocco continues to commit serious human rights violations with impunity, particularly in the Rif region and the disputed Sahrawi territories. After laying out a detailed denunciation of the CNDH president's record, the party called on the Nelson Mandela Prize Committee to reject the nomination and «preserve the moral integrity of this prestigious award». It is worth noting that the «Rif Nationalist Party» previously echoed the Polisario's accusations against Morocco in January regarding the fire at the Danish NGO Global Aktion's headquarters. A coalition of associations in South America has also joined the Polisario's campaign against Bouayach's candidacy for the 2025 Nelson Mandela Prize.
