Founded in 2005, the organisation Human Rights Alliance recently announced the winners of their first awards for ‘successful work in the field of human rights advocacy’. Headed by Liudmila Hraznova, Chairwoman of the Alliance, members of the organisation have recognized the achievements of journalist Siamion Pechanko, advocate Tamara Sidarenka, and human rights defender Barys Zvozskau.
Zvozskau shared his impressions for the HRH website: "Obviously, it is quite exciting! At the same time, it is rather unexpected: I know many wonderful people who work in the field of human rights advocacy in Belarus more actively and effectively than I do. Really, that is why so many of them are worthy of this award. But how to honor everyone? The best award for every truly dedicated human rights defender will undoubtedly be respect for human rights in our country. And also the return of the Human Rights House from Vilnius to Minsk.”
Hraznova explained the main criteria for the nominations: “We have many great people working in this field. These are quite prominent individuals, respected journalists, and well-known advocates. And we had to select only three candidates. We’ve been looking closely not only at their current work, but rather tried to honor their lifetime dedication to the cause. It is important to work not only professionally but also have your soul vested in it. The soul is essential here." Hraznova also noted that previously the Alliance had no possibilities to give out awards and this year is the first time it happens. She thinks that the award will attract the attention of the society at large to those individuals who help others to defend their rights.
About her own organisation, Hraznova added: “We help those who suffer from injustice of the Belarusian court system. We monitor. But it is not our main goal. The most important part of our activities is that some of us are able to offer a helping hand and pull out a person from very grave and threatening situations”.
