Max van der Stoel Award 2014

The Max van der Stoel Award recognizes extraordinary and outstanding achievements in improving the position of national minorities in the OSCE participating States.

Quote: Kyrgyzstan is still struggling with many problems, but I have hope for its future. Much of my optimism comes from people like those at Spravedlivost – committed people who want to see their country become a better place, a safe place for all its diverse communities.

Author: Astrid Thors, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities

Quote: The work that has been done, in silence, for over 20 years, has proven more effective than a lot of fanfare. And yet, from time to time the High Commissioner’s good work deserves a moment in the limelight. The presentation of the Max van der Stoel Award is such an occasion.

Author: Frans Timmermans, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

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Spravedlivost, the winner of 2014 award

Spravedlivost, a non-governmental organization based in Jalal-Abad in southern Kyrgyzstan, is the 2014 winner of the Max van der Stoel Award. It received the award for its outstanding work in improving the position of national minorities in the OSCE area.

The international jury, led by the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Astrid Thors, said: “Spravedlivost is widely respected for its activities to promote human rights in Kyrgyzstan. It has worked for many years on issues related to the protection of the most vulnerable groups, including national minorities.”

Since the June 2010 events in southern Kyrgyzstan, Spravedlivost has been protecting minorities in a challenging environment where it is subject to harassment. The jury remarked upon the bravery of its staff, who continue to speak out against human rights abuses and promote a more tolerant, just and peaceful society.