Washington, D.C. – The United Nations Association National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) held its annual Human Rights Awards Ceremony at the United Nations Foundation on December 11, 2024. The event drew together leaders and advocates deeply committed to the pursuit of global justice and human rights. This important gathering also coincided with the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 79th anniversary of the United Nations.
The evening began with a slideshow showcasing the award recipients, sponsors, and the UNA-NCA Human Rights Committee’s work. Anne Simmons-Benton, UNA-NCA Board Chair, opened the ceremony, discussing the awards’ role in acknowledging exceptional human rights advocacy. UNA-NCA President Paula Boland provided introductory remarks before introducing William Davis, Director of the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Washington, D.C.
Davis conveyed a message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who spoke of the Universal Declaration’s continued relevance in building global security and stability. The Secretary-General’s message addressed growing international threats to human rights and the need to protect all rights—economic, social, cultural, and political—while pursuing peace, justice, and equality.
Building on this, Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland who joined virtually then presented the Louis B. Sohn Human Rights Award to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Türk, appointed in October 2022, has dedicated his career to advancing universal human rights, with a focus on protecting refugees and stateless persons. In his acceptance speech, Türk discussed current global human rights issues, including conflicts and climate change, and spoke of the need for accountability and joint effort. Türk’s presence and acceptance added further weight to the event.
The focus then shifted to Dr. Kathleen Kuehnast, Director of the Women, Peace and Security Portfolio at United States Institute of Peace (USIP), who presented the Perdita Huston Human Rights Award to Megan E. Corrado, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Alliance for Peacebuilding. Corrado’s work as an international lawyer and feminist leader has furthered initiatives like the Global Fragility Act and Women, Peace, and Security Act. Her speech addressed the vital role of inclusion in human rights advocacy.
Dr. Kathleen Kuehnast, Director of the Women, Peace, and Security Portfolio at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), presented the Perdita Huston Human Rights Award to Megan E. Corrado, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Alliance for Peacebuilding.… pic.twitter.com/RhLyErF6gp
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) December 31, 2024
Following this, Ambassador Michele J. Sison, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, presented the F. Allen “Tex” Harris Human Rights Diplomacy Award to Daniel Kronenfeld, Director of the Office of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs. Kronenfeld’s work includes suspending Russia from the Human Rights Council and launching the Iran fact-finding mission. In a remote address, he shared personal stories illustrating the challenges and rewards of human rights work. Kronenfeld’s insights provided a personal touch to the proceedings.
Ambassador Michele J. Sison presents the F. Allen 'Tex' Harris Human Rights Diplomacy Award to Daniel Kronenfeld@Wecaa_official @JanDuPlain @UNANCA @UN @PatrickRealiza @Popeson @HealthyLights @gotebs pic.twitter.com/WGnmGsXWwu
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) December 31, 2024
The recognition continued as former UNA-NCA Board Chair Jill Christianson presented the Community Human Rights Award to Teaching for Change, an organization with a 35-year history of social justice education. Executive Director Deborah Menkart and Deputy Director Keesha Ceran accepted the award on behalf of the organization, established in 1989. Their initiatives include the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action and programs focused on Central American history education in DC metro area schools. The award acknowledged the importance of grassroots efforts.
Anne Simmons-Benton, UNA-NCA Board Chair, introduces former Board Chair Jill Christianson, who presents the Community Human Rights Award to Teaching for Change at the UNA-NCA Annual Human Rights Awards Ceremony, held at the United Nations Foundation on December 11, 2024… pic.twitter.com/7eRlg48A7l
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) December 31, 2024
Former UNA-NCA Board Chair Jill Christianson presented the Community Human Rights Award to Teaching for Change@Wecaa_official @JanDuPlain @UNANCA @UN @PatrickRealiza @Popeson @HealthyLights @gotebs pic.twitter.com/6bp1x6Uy8X
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) December 31, 2024
Kaffe Grimes of Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) delivered the Emerging Human Rights Leader Award to Alexandria J. Maloney, recognizing her contributions to increasing African American representation in foreign affairs. As president of BPIA and a visiting lecturer at Cornell University, Maloney has created opportunities for over 60,000 underrepresented professionals in international relations. Her achievements include recognition in the Top 100 Most Influential Awards of African Descent and the Forbes 50 Champions list. The recognition noted the importance of building the next generation of human rights leaders.
Alexandria J. Maloney, President of Black Professionals in International Affairs, receives the Emerging Human Rights Leader Award and delivers an inspiring acceptance speech.@Wecaa_official @JanDuPlain @UNANCA @UN @PatrickRealiza @Popeson @HealthyLights @gotebs @BPIAtweets… pic.twitter.com/b0T5LSAjQO
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) December 31, 2024
To close the ceremony, UNA-NCA Human Rights Committee co-chairs Luciana Vosniak and Alex Remmel spoke of the need for continued collaboration in advancing human rights globally. The organization encouraged attendees to support the UN’s “Our Rights, Our Future” campaign through local action and engagement with UNA-NCA’s initiatives. A networking reception followed at the UN Foundation, bringing together advocates, leaders, the Media and supporters of human rights work.
