Estela Carlotto: “It is a recognition for a country that never gave up”

Argentina, September 11, 2011

Estela Carlotto, head of the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, said that the prize that will be given by the UNESCO is “a recognition of a country that never gave up” and that the credit goes to “perseverance and that we have done things with love and peace, never for revenge or hate”.

“Argentina is being recognized worldwide for its merits in human rights over state terrorism. As anywhere in Latin America, we are carrying out trials” said Carlotto.

The United Nations Organization (UNESCO), will give the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Prize to the Grandmothers, which is given every year to those who have contributed to preserve peace in the world. Some of those who had received this award have been, for example Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter and Luiz Inázio Lula da Silva.

“Obviously it is recognition of the work that we have done all these years. It says that we are doing important things and this makes us happy, considering that in our own country, some areas (minority thankfully) have tried to detract us, to doubt from the loyalty of our work” said the head of the Grandmothers.

The award was created in 1989, and is given every year by the UNESCO, having intended to honor individuals, institutions or agencies that have sought to keep the peace, in correlation with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitution of the multilateral organization.

The same provides a financial reward of $ 150,000, a gold medal and a diploma. The celebration will take place in Paris at UNESCO Headquarters, on Wednesday. There will also have the presence of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and seven grandchildren who have been recovered.