The Thorolf Rafto Foundation for Human Rights, the Uyghur American Association and the National Endowment for Democracy, in conjunction with the Congressional Human Rights Caucus organize an award ceremony and reception in honor of 2004 Rafto Memorial Prize laureate Ms. Rebiya Kadeer on January 26, 2005 at Capitol Hill, Washington. (22-JAN-05)
Rebiya Kadeer, a prisoner of conscience in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (also known as East Turkistan), the People´s Republic of China, is a prominent symbol of the Uyghurs’ struggle for basic human rights. The Thorolf Rafto Foundation for Human Rights is pleased to join hands with the many members of the U.S. Congress, officials of the U.S. government, and human rights groups who have championed the cause of human rights for the Uyghur people, to honor Ms. Kadeer.
This special ceremony is presenting the 2004 Rafto Memorial Prize, announced in Bergen, Norway on November 7, 2004, to Rebiya Kadeer’s husband and family.
Through this award, the Rafto Foundation directs a strong appeal to the Chinese government to respect and protect the civil, economic and cultural rights of the Uyghurs as well as other minorities in the People´s Republic of China. The Rafto Foundation is concerned about Ms. Kadeer’s health and urges her immediate and unconditional release.
Several Members of the U.S. Congress, officials of the U.S. government, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, former U.S Assistant Secretary of State Lorne Craner, 2003 Rafto Prize laureate Paulos Tesfagiorgis, members of Rebiya Kadeer’s family, as well Mrs. Helga Bastiansen, Thorolf Rafto’s widow, will attend the award ceremony.
