CEREMONY OF AWARDING THE POLISH PRIZE OF SERGIO VIERIA DE MELLO THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS (2002-2003)

CEREMONY OF AWARDING THE POLISH PRIZE OF SERGIO VIERIA DE MELLO THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS (2002-2003)

The Director of the Villa Decius Association Ms Danuta Glondys opened the ceremony by addressing the audience before her. She welcomed all to Krakow and thanked those in attendance for their contributions during the day. Continuing along a similar style from her opening address earlier in the day, the Director took the opportunity to thank all those who assisted in the decision making behind the prize. She introduced each member of the panel individually before celebrating the rich nature of talent present in Krakow for this wonderful event. Thanking each sponsor individually, she outlined the schedule of the ceremony and promptly introduced Irena Wóycicka, Undersecretary of State, and Chancellery of the President of Poland to the audience.

Ms Wóycicka continued in the manner of Ms Glondys by thanking all those people who made this event take place. Representing the Polish government she cited the government’s belief in the meaning of the award and celebrated the rich heritage of this prize. Celebrating the idea of Human Rights, she spoke passionately about the ceremony that would follow. Immediately upon concluding her remarks, Ms Magdalena Sroka, Deputy Mayor of Krakow took to the stage where on behalf of the city of Krakow she reiterated her appreciation for their attendance at this wonderful ceremony. Thanking the judging panel as well as invited guests and experts she expressed her belief that Krakow and the Villa Decius Association have unquestionably led the way in the promotion of Human Rights for a number of years.

Once the opening formalities had concluded, the next speaker on stage was Ernest Zienkiewicz, Director of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Office in Warsaw. As a representative of the UN in Poland, he outlined his own appreciation of the efforts Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello made to promote human rights throughout his lifetime. He lauded his achievements in helping those people within society that availed of his assistance and courage throughout his lifetime. Celebrating his life, Mr. Zienkiewicz did not wish to dwell too much on his untimely death in Iraq (again serving those most in need) instead he sought to focus his remarks on his achievements. Highlighting how the Villa Decius Association had established this award in his honour, he praised the memory of Mr. de Mello by stating if ever an award summed up a person’s contribution to life than this was it.

The next speaker on stage was Pery Machado, Minister-Counselor, Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Poland. His speech again outlined the wonderful achievements of Sergio Vieira de Mello by remembering the work he completed prior to his untimely and tragic death. Explaining the pride he held for being associated with Mr. de Mello due to their Brazilian roots, he once again lauded the achievements of a man whose contribution to humanitarian affairs cannot be understated. Seeking to close his speech in a positive manner, he remarked that the creation of a prize in the honour a man such as Sergio Vieira de Mello is something that all Brazilians and all advocates of human rights can feel privileged to be associated with.

The next speaker on stage was HE Staffan Herrström, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Poland. He opened his address by thanking all those who contributed to such an amazing and enthralling event. Praising the tireless work of all the staff of the Villa Decius Association, he lauded their accomplishments in establishing such a meaningful and prestigious award.  Once he had concluded this part of his speech, he directly went about listing the nominees for the prizes at the ceremony. He explained that they had 19 nominees for the individual prize and 22 for the organisational prize. Announcing the winners to an expectant audience he firstly named Sister Raphael as the winner of the individual prize. This decision was greeted with widespread approval from the enthusiastic audience and she received a rapturous round of applause. The recipient of the award on behalf of the organisation was People in Need which is based in Prague. The announcement of this was once again greeted with universal approval and the work of this organisation certainly merited this prestigious award. The recipient of the Honorary Prize was Arnold Wellman.

Introducing Sister Raphael Irena Wóycicka, Undersecretary of State, Chancellery of the President of Poland outlined the Justification of the verdict of the Panel of Judges in a category Person. She explained the remarkable achievements of Sister Raphael by citing the remarkable work she has contributed to not just for those impoverished within society, but also to the blind and children. She explained in detail the remarkable work, Sister Raphael carried out for people within Poland during the time of Communism. She explained how the Sister was prohibited from travelling to suffering countries before 1986 and only after that did she gain a semblance of the recognition she undoubtedly deserved. Moving on from this she explained in detail the unique and selfless work the Sister carried out for those affected by blindness in particular children. Explaining the Sister’s courageous journey to Africa in 2002, she acclaimed her continued efforts to impact upon a region that has suffered so much for so long. She expressed her unflinching belief that if ever a person deserved an award of this nature than Sister Raphael was such a person.

Sister Raphael accepted the award in a humble manner that clearly reflects her humanity. Her reluctance to speak for long clearly illustrated her surprise and humbleness at achieving such an award. She thanked God and her follow volunteers for their work throughout her life and stated that while they have accomplished some remarkable achievements their work there is never completed. Concluding by acknowledging the collective support she received from all in attendance, she reiterated her determination to assist those that need it most.

Introducing the recipient of the Nongovernmental Organisation was Krystyna Żurek, Director of Department of United Nations and Human Rights, Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Providing a detailed introduction on the impact Nongovernmental Organisations have had in the field of human rights, the speaker accentuated the difficultly organisation such as this have in society today. Praising the work People in Need contribute not just in Prague but across Europe, he emphasised the pleasure he gained in presenting this award to such a well deserving and hard-working organisation.

Accepting the award, for People in Need he outlined his thanks on behalf of his organisation for being selected for such a prominent award. He explained in detail the work his organisation has undertaken throughout many years across the Czech Republic and beyond. Once again displaying a similar level of humbleness to the Sister gone before him, he thanked all in attendance for their support once the organisation had been named as the receipt of this award. He explained in detail the work the organisation complete on a daily basis and outlined the difficulties organisations such as this have in staying in existence. Concluding by acknowledging the tremendous level of preparation and organisation that goes into events such as this, he reaffirmed his praise of the Villa Decius Association and the tremendous work they undertake in hosting such enjoyable events.

The final award of the ceremony the Honorary Prize was introduced by Marian Ćwiertniak. The recipient of this award was an American Arnold Wellman who has devoted his life to helping people in many parts of Europe. Despite not having any affiliation with Europe apart from an emotional bond, his generosity to the peoples of Poland and Ukraine was lauded by all in attendance. Sparing no time in introducing the popular recipient, Mr. Ćwiertniak introduced Mr. Arnold Wellman to an appreciative audience.

Mr Wellman accepted the award in a manner that highlighted his dignity and class. Mr. Wellman, who has worked in corporate public relations department for many years, is primarily responsible for CSR in the corporate UPS, which provides assistance to children in education and development He refused to take any praise for his actions instead lavishing praise on the two young Ukrainian girls that have benefited as a result of his kind deeds. He acknowledged the joy and surprise he had once he had found out he had been nominated for this award and thanked everyone in attendance for their support. He praised the Villa Decius for their wonderful welcome and before concluding he ushered the two Ukrainian girls he spoke so warmly of to share the award with him.