Deng Pufang awarded UN Human Rights Prize
cctv.com 12-11-2003 09:44
The President of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, Deng Pufang, has been awarded a United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights. He is the first person from China to win the award.
The prize is considered as a measure to honor and commend people and organizations which have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion and protection of the human rights.
Wednesday marked International Human Rights Day. UN General Assembly President Julian Hunte addressed the awards ceremony.
Hunte said, "Six prizes are to be awarded this year to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedom."
Hunte said that the world is still faced with human right abuses, but although grave human rights problems remain they should not hinder the international community from celebrating the progress that is being made to eliminate them.
The president praised China's Deng Pufang for his role in promoting the rights and improve the quality of life of handicapped people both in China and around the world. Deng's most significant achievements include the establishment of the China Welfare Fund for the Handicapped, which now assists over 15 million disabled people on low incomes.
Deng Pufang said, "The award I'm receiving today also shows the international community will pay more attention to the area of disabilities in China. It's a gift and encouraging message to my country."
The late UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Sergio de Mello, who was killed in the bombing of the UN office in Baghdad, was given a posthumous award.
The other recipients were Enriqueta de Carlotto of Argentina, Shulamith Koenig of the United States, Jordan's Family Protection Project Management Team and the Mano River Women's Peace Network in West Africa.
The prizes, first given in the International Year for Human Rights in 1968, are awarded every five years.
Editor:Xiao Source:CCTV.com
