Per Anger Prize 2008
Bishop Bakare of Zimbabwe awarded the Per Anger prize
Bishop Sebastian Bakare, representing the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe, has been awarded the 2008 Per Anger prize for his committed work for human rights in a politically unstable Zimbabwe. Bakare will participate in the prize giving ceremony on 10 November, and is the main speaker during the HR conference in Luleå on 13-14 November.
As bishop of the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe, Sebastian Bakare has for many years fought for the situation and rights in society of vulnerable people. Despite the limited ability of civil society to act, he has worked constructively for people’s right to freedom of speech and protection against oppression.
Bakare is an incredibly important voice in the Zimbabwe of today, which is characterized by a difficult political and humanitarian situation, with record inflation and growing famine; a country where government-backed police and military persecute dissidents and those who protest against violence and political oppression. Bishop Bakare has himself received threats as a result of his open and clear criticism of the government, his condemnation of local police brutality and his defence of human rights.
The Living History Forum has been commissioned by the Swedish government to award the prize in the spirit of ambassador Per Anger. The prize was first awarded in 2004.
”The prize is awarded to persons displaying great bravery and initiative. They have acted for no personal gain and often at great personal risk. With this award, we want to inspire people to make a stand, to dare to contradict and to show moral courage. Good role models are important”, says Eskil Frank, Director.
The basic criteria for the choice of prize winner is that he/she does work that promotes democracy and humanitarian efforts, is characterized by active measures and initiative, works for no personal gain, takes great personal risks, displays great courage and is a role model for others.
This year’s prize citation: For having given voice to the fight against oppression and for the freedom of speech and of opinion in a difficult political situation, with courage and personal sacrifice, Bishop Sebastian Bakare is awarded the 2008 Per Anger Prize for humanitarian and democracy-promoting work.
