The award, proposed by an international jury, was given to Fernandez Retamar, one of the most prestigious voices of Cuban literature, with a deep Marti vocation and conviction, said a diplomatic statement. [The UNESCO Jose Marti Prize was established by the Executive Board, at Cuba’s initiative, in November 1994, which implied recognition of the universality and validity of the Cuban National Hero’s ideals. The award is designed to encourage and reward a particularly meritorious activity which, in accordance with Marti’s ideas and spirit, has contributed to the unity and integration of Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as to the fostering of a culture of peace and the cohesion of countries.]
The decision, according to the jury, recognizes the Cuban intellectual’s work ‘to advocate for justice, the protection of children, the ethical development of peoples, the recognition of the dignity of each man and woman and the importance of combating racism.
For more on the UNESCO’s three human rights awards: http://www.trueheroesfilms.org/thedigest
Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards 
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