Washington, D.C. (November 22, 1999) - Liberian Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis today received the 1999 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award for his extraordinary efforts to improve human rights conditions in his conflict-torn nation. Mrs. Robert Kennedy and Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), who praised the Archbishop for "his extraordinary commitment to the value of the individual in the face of dehumanizing violence," presented the 16th annual award at a Capitol Hill ceremony moderated by Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD).

The Catholic Church leader is the archbishop of Monrovia and founder of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, an organization dedicated to furthering human rights for the people of Liberia. He has founded many schools, churches and health centers throughout his country and initiated efforts to provide rehabilitation to those traumatized by a brutal civil war, including child soldiers and victims of human rights abuses. He stayed in Liberia during the 1990-1996 conflict despite threats and attacks against him and his home by rebel soldiers. Since the conclusion of the war, the Archbishop has continued to speak out strongly in support of human rights and continues his work on behalf of the suffering people of Liberia.

"My country in this last decade of the twentieth century has experienced the worst violation of human rights of our people in our history," said Archbishop Francis in his acceptance speech. "We look forward to an era of peace, tranquility and an environment that is respective of all persons regardless of whom the individuals are. As members of the human family we look up to those who have not been so unfortunate as we have to assist us in words and deeds to bring a better and fuller life to our people."

Founded in 1822 by former American slaves, Liberia is among the world's poorest and least developed countries. Liberia suffered through a barbaric civil war from 1990 to 1996 in which various armed factions competed for control of the country. Over half of Liberia's population of 2.5 million was displaced during the war and thousands of children - some as young as 10 years old - were involved in the fighting. The United Nations estimates that 15,000 to 20,000 children participated in, were exposed to, or were victims of violence during the war, which officially ended with the 1997 election of Charles Taylor as president. Widespread human rights abuses, including extra-judicial killings by government security forces, disappearances and torture, have continued under Taylor, who has been critical of efforts by Liberian human rights organizations to call attention to these problems.

Following an introduction by RFK Memorial Center for Human Rights founder Kerry Kennedy Cuomo, keynote speaker South African Anglican Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu, recipient of the 1984 Nobel Prize for Peace, recalled the impact of Robert Kennedy's 1966 visit to apartheid-era South Africa and the "Ripple of Hope" speech he delivered to students in Cape Town. "Robert F. Kennedy galvanized a dispirited South Africa," he said. "He reminded us that we are made for something better, so we should reach out, and reach for the sky."

The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award is presented annually to individuals who stand up to oppression in pursuit of respect for human rights. The award reflects Robert Kennedy's absolute opposition to tyranny and his belief in the power of individual moral courage to overcome injustice. The RFK Human Rights Award carries a cash prize of $30,000.

Nominations for the RFK Human Rights Award are made by members of the RFK Human Rights Award International Advisory Committee (IAC). The laureates are selected by the RFK Human Rights Award judges. Poet and human rights activist Rose Styron chaired this year's panel.

Founded by Kerry Kennedy Cuomo in 1988 as a lasting base of support for the recipients of the RFK Human Rights Award, the RFK Memorial Center for Human Rights strives to enhance the capacity of these brave men and women, help marshal the resources necessary for them to work more effectively, increase the impact of their work, and share the lessons of their work with the international community.

Robert Kennedy's belief that individual action could overcome injustice and oppression continues to inspire generations to change the world. For three decades, the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial has been dedicated to perpetuating his vision by encouraging respect for human rights and social justice in the United States and around the world.