Inspirational human rights activist accepts Tipperary International Peace Award
In this week's Nationalist and Tipperary Star
Prior to presenting Belarusian human rights activist and politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya with the Tipperary International Peace Award on Tuesday last, Martin Quinn, Hon. Secretary, Tipperary Peace Convention, in his citation, outlined the reasons why she had been deservedly chosen for the prestigious award.
That statement is printed below:
The 2022 Tipperary International Peace Award is a statement of support for the rights to freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of assembly in Belarus.
The Belarusian human rights activist and politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya gained international attention during the 2020 Belarusian presidential election.
Prior to her involvement in politics, she worked as an English teacher and translator. Her husband, Siarhei had announced his intention to run for president.
However, he was arrested and prevented from running, leading Sviatlana to step in as a candidate in his place.
The story of how a mother and housewife suddenly catapulted into the world headlines has captured the attention of world leaders and of people throughout the globe.
It has brought into focus the true story of what is happening in Belarus and of how the cause of freedom of speech and freedom of expression should never be taken for granted in any democracy.
Sviatlana’s election campaign focused on bringing democratic change to Belarus and challenging the long-standing authoritarian rule of Alexander Lukashenko.
Her campaign faced numerous challenges, including harassment, intimidation, and many threats and after the election the government responded with a violent crackdown, leading to the arrest of thousands of opposition figures and protesters.
In any democracy the rights of people to protest non-violently must be respected and must not be open to persecution and arrest.
It makes us realise here in Ireland how fortunate we are to live in a democracy where these values are recognised and respected.
It is therefore especially important to welcome Sviatlana to Tipperary and we hope that your presence here and in the engagements later today will inspire and motivate our community to continue working towards peace, justice, and human rights.
The Tipperary International Peace Award is recognition of the work by individuals and organisations to promote peace and understanding around the world.
It reminds us of the importance of working together towards a peaceful future for all.
The significance of the Tipperary International Peace Award lies in its recognition of individuals and organisations who have dedicated their lives to advancing the cause of peace and who have made significant contributions towards creating a more peaceful and just world.
The award also helps to raise awareness about the importance of peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts, and to inspire others to get involved in promoting peace in their own communities and beyond.
COURAGE, BRAVERY, DETERMINATION AND COMMITMENT
In determining the awarding of the Peace Prize for 2022 we have seen a person who has displayed remarkable courage, bravery, determination, and a commitment to the true values of democracy and freedom of expression.
Your leadership in the face of adversity has been an inspiration to people around the world as is your unwavering commitment to democratic values and peaceful politics.
In the face of unprecedented challenges, you have remained steadfast in your determination to advocate for the democratic rights of the people of Belarus.
It should also be remembered that you have had to continue your campaign in exile having had to flee to Lithuania and I am very pleased that the Ambassador of Lithuania to Ireland is present here today.
From Lithuania you have become an important figure in the Belarusian opposition movement, working to promote free and fair elections, the release of political prisoners, and an end to government repression.
We must also be aware that there are upwards of 1,500 political prisoners in Belarus including Sviatlana’s husband along with civil society activists, independent media, and human rights defenders.
It is well beyond time that the Belarus regime respected the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Belarus and released all political prisoners.
Today in Tipperary we join that call for peaceful democratic change in Belarus and for a commitment to the values of peaceful politics to ensure a free and fair democracy in Belarus.
As you continue your fight for a Belarus that is free from interference and from undue control know that this Award supports your vision and recognises your legitimate struggle for democratic change.
Despite the many obstacles that you have faced, your message of hope and unity has remained strong and we trust that by bestowing this award on you that it will inspire you to continue with your efforts to bring about democratic change in Belarus.
“Where Tipperary leads, Ireland follows,” is a description attributed to Thomas Davis, Editor of The Nation newspaper in the 1840s. We hope that our lead in recognising you today and in supporting your call for change in Belarus will be followed by people not just here in Ireland but throughout the globe.
Thank you very much or as we say in Irish “Go raibh míle maith agaibh”.