The Balkan Chronicle

Deadline for application for The Polish Prize of Sergio Vieira de Mello is fast approaching

Paying homage to honor the memory of Sergio Vieira de Mello, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2002-2003), we announce the 9th edition of the Prize named after him, awarded for special merits in peaceful co-existence and co-operation of communities, religions and cultures.

We invite you to submit nominations of individuals and/or NGOs. Deadline for applications for the 9th edition of the Prize nomination process is 30 June, 2012.

Driven by the intention of supporting the best initiatives in the field of human rights, in 2003 the Villa Decius Association established the Prize of Sergio Vieira de Mello, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (2002-2003), which since then has been awarded to individuals and nongovernmental organizations for their activities enhancing peaceful coexistence and cooperation of communities, religions and cultures.

Since 2011, the Prize bears the name of: The Polish Prize of Sergio Vieira de Mello, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (2002-2003).

The Prize is awarded annually in two categories: an individual and a nongovernmental organization. Candidates for the Prize may come from Poland and abroad.

The Prize is awarded by the Panel of Judges composed of the High Representatives of the President of the Republic of Poland, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Poland, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Poland, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Institute of National Remembrance, Polish Commissioner for Civil Rights Protection, Sponsors of the Prize, Embassies, consulates and foundations supporting activities of the Villa Decius Association in matters related to human rights and Chairman and Director of the Villa Decius Association.

Among previous Laureates of the Prize there are: Tadeusz Mazowiecki, Fr Marian ?elazek SVD (1914-2006), Aleksandr Milinkevich, Maryna Hulia, One World Association, the Foundation for European Understanding "Cross," the Jewish Culture Festival, the Magurycz Association, Shevach Weiss, Krystyna Pryjomko-Serafin, Michael ?ejmis, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Fatos Lubonja, Leopold Unger, United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, Nagy El-Khoury and Mohammad Al-Nokkari, the Memorial Association, the late Andrzej Przewo?nik, Hassan Omar Hassan, Halina Nie? Legal Aid Centre and Bernard Kouchner.

Nomination Form and Regulations are available at: www.villa.org.pl

For more information, please contact the project coordinator: Jadwiga Figiel-Stoch, ph. +48 12 4253638 ext. 157, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The ceremony of awarding the Prize will take place on 18 October, 2012 at Villa Decius in Krakow.