Max van der Stoel Award 2016 goes to Cypriot NGO

NHC congratulates the Cyprus-based NGO Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR). AHDR is the winner of the 2016 Max van der Stoel Award. This award is presented every two years to a person, group or institution for extraordinary and outstanding achievements in improving the position of national minorities in the OSCE participating States. The awards ceremony will be held on the 24th of October 2016 in The Hague.

Since its foundation in 2003, the aim of AHDR is to contribute to the advancement of historical understanding in Cyprus amongst the public and educators, regardless of ethnic, religious, cultural or social background. They do this by providing access to learning opportunities based on respect for diversity and the dialogue of ideas.

The international jury, led by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors, said:

“Throughout the last 13 years, AHDR demonstrated sustained commitment to building a multilingual and multi-faith society which celebrates diversity and promotes mutual respect and understanding.”

“… AHDR provides access to learning opportunities for individuals from different ethnic, religious, cultural and social backgrounds including teacher training sessions, cultural excursions, seminars and conferences. It developed a range of supplementary teaching materials in order to help, among other things, to address the legacies of a violent past.”