Tipperary International Peace Award for Sviatlana
Accolade for Belarusian human rights activist and politician
The Belarusian human rights activist and politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya received the Tipperary International Peace Award at a special ceremony at St Mary's Church of Ireland, John St, Tipperary Town, last Tuesday week.
The award to Mrs Tsikhanouskaya is a statement of support for the rights to freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of assembly in Belarus, which she has so actively campaigned for.
Mrs Tsikhanouskaya said: “It's a great honour for me to receive the Tipperary Peace Award. To be among such prominent figures as Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Ban Ki-moon, Malala Yousafzai and many others who were given this award before me. And it’s an honour to receive it from such freedom loving and warm-hearted people like you.”
The awards presentation event commenced with a short Ecumenical Prayer Service followed by the presentation ceremony.
Tipperary Peace Convention also recognised the Irish Defence Forces for 65 years’ service on peacekeeping missions in different parts of the world since 1958.
There also was a Wreath Laying Ceremony by Mrs Tsikhanouskaya at the Tipperary Remembrance Arch, to commemorate all those who have died in wars and violence in different parts of the world. Anyone wishing to lay a wreath on this occasion may do so.
Mrs Tsikhanouskaya gained international attention during the 2020 Belarusian presidential election. Prior to her involvement in politics, she worked as an English teacher and translator. Her husband, Siarhei, had announced his intention to run for president. However, he was arrested and prevented from running, leading Sviatlana to step in as a candidate in his place.
Her citation reads: “The story of how a mother and housewife suddenly catapulted into the world headlines has captured the attention of world leaders and of people throughout the globe.
It has brought into focus the true story of what is happening in Belarus and of how the cause of freedom of speech and freedom of expression should never be taken for granted in any democracy.
“Sviatlana’s election campaign focused on bringing democratic change to Belarus and challenging the long-standing authoritarian rule of Alexander Lukashenko. Her campaign faced numerous challenges, including harassment, intimidation, and many threats and after the election the government responded with a violent crackdown, leading to the arrest of thousands of opposition figures and protesters. In any democracy the rights of people to protest non-violently must be respected and must not be open to persecution and arrest. It makes us realise here in Ireland how fortunate we are to live in a democracy where these values are recognised and respected.
“It is therefore especially important to welcome Sviatlana to Tipperary and we hope that your presence here and in the engagements later today will inspire and motivate our community to continue working towards peace, justice, and human rights.
“The Tipperary International Peace Award is recognition of the work by individuals and organisations to promote peace and understanding around the world. It reminds us of the importance of working together towards a peaceful future for all.”