In his RemarksThe secretary general celebrated the extraordinary life of the South African Civil Rights icon, affectionately known by his name of Khosa clan, Madiba.
“He endured the brutal weight of oppression and did not emerge with a vision of revenge and division – but from reconciliation, peace and unity,” said Guterres.
“Today, Madiba’s inheritance is now our responsibility. We must advance his commitment to peace, justice and human dignity. “”
To honor this heritage, the UN chief has awarded the Nelson Mandela Prize To two people who reflect the commitment of the late leader to peace and collective action, and the theme of this year of fighting poverty and inequalities: Brenda Reynolds of Canada and Kennedy Odede from Kenya.
Brenda Reynolds, winner of the Nelson Mandela Prize, speaks in the room of the United Nations General Assembly for the observation of the annual International Day of Nelson Mandela.
Brenda Reynolds: Transforming pain into action
Brenda Reynolds is a member of SAULTHEAUX of Fishing Lake First Nation in Canada, and as a social worker, she has spent decades to advance indigenous rights, mental health and trauma -oriented care.
“There are many parallels to what we had experienced in our two countries, where governments had an impact on politicians to change that we are, to face oppression, to deal with human rights violations in our countries,” said Reynolds in her speech of acceptance.
In 1988, she supported 17 teenage girls in the first case of sexual abuse in residential schools in Saskatchewan.
“These accusations were the beginning of other disclosure that comes from Canada from survivors from their sexual abuse experiences from Canada.
Subsequently, she became a special councilor of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and developed the Indian health support program in resolution of residential schools – both created by the agreement – helping to shape the support of survivors and the responses of trauma nationally.
Secretary General António Guterres (left) with the price of the Nelson Mandela Kennedy Odede of Kenya prize during the informal meeting on the respect of the annual international day of Nelson Mandela.
Kennedy Odede: cans at CEO
After having grown up in Kenya Kibera slum, Kennedy Odede has gone from life to global recognition when he was named one of the 100 most influential people of Time Magazine magazine and has become a successful author of the New York Times.
“At ten, fleeing domestic violence, I joined the ranks of the children in the rue de Nairobi. One day, I stole a mango because I was hungry. A crowd gathered to fight, until a foreigner advanced, paid for this mango, and in this one act of grace, showed me that kindness could interrupt the cycles of violence, “counted in this speech of acceptance.
He started his trip as an activist by saving his meager factory gains to buy a football ball and bringing together his community.
“This ball was not only for the game; It was an organizational tool. A center around which a community could train, “he said.
This quickly became a brilliant hope for communities (shofco), the largest basic movement in Kenya which it now leads as CEO. Shofco operates across the country, empowering local groups and providing vital services to more than 4 million people per year.
“Mandela showed us all in Shofco, that leadership is not a privilege reserved for those born in power. It belongs to anyone wishing to serve and look inside. ”
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
