Paul KeenanIrish aid agency Trócaire has been nominated for the 2017 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize for its work in developing nations worldwide.
The world’s largest humanitarian award, at $2million, the prize is is offered towards programme work engaged in by the winning organisation, nominated through an open process, and would act as a major boost to Trócaire’s work in over 20 countries.
According to the Hilton Foundation, its award “is given to an organisation, anywhere in the world, judged to have made extraordinary contributions toward alleviating human suffering—often operating at great risk, hardship or personal sacrifice.”
Value
Trócaire was nominated for this year’s prize by Daughter of Charity nun Sr Geraldine Henry, who has missionary experience in Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana. Her nomination was backed by endorsements for the value of Trócaire’s work from partner agencies in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Guatemala.
Speaking on behalf of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Fr Henry Saindi said Trócaire’s “demonstration of long-term and meaningful partnership with local agencies makes it a model for true partnership…We believe Trócaire in Malawi serves as a model for other non-profits here and internationally”.
Adding to this, Juan Francisco Soto, Director of the Centre for Legal Action on Human Rights (CALDH) in Guatemala said, “CALDH truly values the unconditional support that Trócaire has provided us for more than 13 years in the search for truth, justice and the historical memory for the survivors of the internal armed conflict in Guatemala; and for strengthening the justice system to guarantee the non-repetition of egregious human rights abuses.
The final winner of the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize will be announced by the end of this year.