Human rights prize : for a more peaceful and just world

"The awarding of a human rights prize is an appropriate act to express the ethical responsibility of the sciences for a more peaceful and just world." With these words, the University of Graz announced the establishment of a human rights prize in 1991. Thirty-three years later, the rationale is more important than ever.

Simon Wiesenthal received it in 1994 for his fight for the rights of Jewish victims of National Socialism and the investigation of Nazi crimes. Conductor Daniel Barenboim received it in 2011 for his artistic and political work for peace in the Middle East. And Volker Türk, now UN High Commissioner, received it in 2016 for his work to protect people fleeing their homes.

The University of Graz honoured these and other personalities with its Human Rights Award. The University of Graz award is presented to individuals or institutions that have made an outstanding contribution to the realisation of human rights. Such as the International Platform for Belarus, which will receive the University of Graz Human Rights Award on 22 March 2024. The association is being honoured for its activities in exposing serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity.

"Even though we face many challenges today, there are many opportunities to make the world a more just and inclusive place. Through dialogue, cooperation and commitment, we can realise the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and create a world in which everyone can live in dignity and freedom," emphasises Rector Peter Riedler.

The Human Rights Award is presented at irregular intervals and is decided by the Senate.

Andreas Schweiger

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