Roth Wins First Athens Democracy Award

(Athens) – Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, has been awarded the first City of Athens Democracy Award for his contribution to democracy through a life-long commitment to human rights, Human Rights Watch said today.

“I’m honored to receive this award, which reflects the importance of democracy being grounded in human rights,” Roth said. “Sadly, certain demagogues today are appealing to majority fears – of economic, cultural and physical insecurity – to undermine that foundation. The solution is not to lie low, hoping the winds of hate blow over, but to vigorously defend rights-based democracy.”

The Mayor of Athens, Georgios Kaminis, established the award to be presented annually on September 15, the UN International Day of Democracy. It goes to a person or organization for achievements that “demonstrate a lasting and compelling commitment to the advancement of democracy and to its enhancement on an international scale.” The award says democracy depends on free and fair elections, adherence to the rule of law, and human rights.

Roth will receive the first City of Athens Democracy Award at a presentation on September 15, 2016, during the annual Athens Democracy Forum.