RFK Memorial Stands Up To Dominican Republic Foreign Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso's Criticisms of Sonia Pierre
Link to Entire Response: In English En Español
Dominican Republic Foreign Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso wrote a letter to Ethel Kennedy criticizing the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial's decision to award Sonia Pierre of the Dominican Republic. Portions of Minister Troncoso's letter were printed December 21st, 2006 in Dominican Newspaper, Listin Diario.
• Listin Diario(en Español): Canciller advierte RD no puede aceptar los haitianos ilegales
• Dominican Today (in English): Dominican Government says the U.S. turn their backs on Haiti
The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial responded to these criticisms. Click to read article about the RFK Memorial's response:
• Clave, (en Español): Memorial RFK responde al descontento del Gobierno por reconocimiento a Sonia Pierre
• Associated Press: Dominican official blasts U.S. group for awarding rights activist
• El Nacional, (en Español): Sorprende a Fundación Kennedy posición canciller dominicano
• Listin Diario, (en Español): Fundación Kennedy responde a misiva canciller dominicano
• Espacinsular.org, (en Español): El Memorial RFK Responde
The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial issued the following response on the matter:
Sonia Pierre won the 2006 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award for years of leading the struggle for human rights for all Dominicans, including Dominicans of Haitian descent. Under Sonia’s leadership, MUDHA has risen to protect the rights of the Dominican Republic’s Haitian immigrants and their descendants and to empower women and children in the face of deep rooted discrimination and intolerance.
The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial stands behind its decision to bestow the 2006 RFK Human Rights Award on Sonia Pierre of the Dominican Republic.
Sonia's work is support of Dominicans of Haitian descent it heroic. Like all human beings, Dominicans of Haitian descent should be treated with dignity and respect. As Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy reminded us of her husband's words, "We must recognize the full human equality of all our people -- before God, before the law and in the councils of government."
In making this award, the Memorial relied upon the recommendation of an independent and distinguished panel of experienced and knowledgeable judges. They considered seventy nominees from all over the world and they deliberated several months before making a unanimous recommendation that the 2006 RFK Human Rights Award be given to Sonia Pierre. Ms. Pierre is a worthy recipient.
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