María Corina Machado received the 2024 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize for her exemplary work in defending human rights in Venezuela. The award was presented during a ceremony at the Council of Europe, emphasizing the struggles faced by activists. Machado dedicated her award to the Venezuelan people, illustrating the ongoing fight for democracy amidst danger.
The Václav Havel Human Rights Prize for 2024 has been awarded to María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan political figure known for her dedication to human rights. This prestigious award, which symbolizes outstanding civil society action, was presented during a ceremony at the autumn plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. The prize comes with a €60,000 monetary award, signifying recognition of her work in the face of adversity. María Corina Machado, co-founder of the Venezuelan advocacy group Súmate, has faced significant challenges, including being barred from running in recent elections. As the current National Coordinator of the Vente Venezuela movement, she has bravely gone into hiding due to threats against her life and liberty, emphasizing the perilous state of democracy in her country. PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos highlighted the ongoing imprisonment of many past recipients, advocating for their immediate release in a poignant reminder of the stakes involved in the fight for freedom. In an emotional acceptance speech made remotely from Venezuela, Machado expressed gratitude and dedication of her award to the millions of Venezuelans who embody the values of former Czech President Václav Havel. She declared that their struggle against dictatorship embodies the resilience of truth, stating, “Today our struggle continues, because the truth persists until it prevails.” Other nominees for the prize included Azerbaijani activist Akif Gurbanov, currently detained in Baku, and Georgian feminist lawyer Babutsa Pataraia. The ceremony also featured insights from Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza, who, after facing incarceration, underscored the importance of continuing efforts for human rights. The Václav Havel Prize is an annual honor bestowed by PACE alongside the Václav Havel Library and the Charta 77 Foundation. It includes monetary recognition as well as a trophy, celebrating those tirelessly working for human rights across Europe and beyond, keeping alive Havel’s legacy. Previous awardees include notable figures such as Osman Kavala and Maria Kalesnikava, signaling the prize’s history of honoring courage and commitment to justice.
The Václav Havel Human Rights Prize is named after the former Czech president and playwright who was a notable activist for democracy and human rights. Established to recognize individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment in the defense of human rights across Europe, the prize serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for those fighting against oppression. Each year, it highlights the precarious situation many activists and dissidents face, reinforcing the importance of global support for human rights.
The 2024 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize honors María Corina Machado for her relentless advocacy in Venezuela. Despite personal risks and challenges, she symbolizes resilience in the struggle for democracy. The award not only acknowledges her efforts but also shines a spotlight on other activists facing prison and oppression, reinforcing the ongoing need for international attention and support in the fight for human rights.
Original Source: www.coe.int
