United Nations award on tolerance and non-violence instituted in memory of Mahatma Gandhihas been instituted by renowned Indian writer and diplomat Madanjeet Singh.
Anarkali Honaryar of Afghanistan and Khaled Abu Awwad of Palestine have been awarded the USD 100,000 UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence.
Honaryar has been honoured for her commitment to improve conditions of women and minority groups in Afghanistan and to promote the ideals of human dignity, human rights, mutual respect and tolerance.
Awwad is cited for his efforts to promote tolerance, peace and non-violence through his work as a peace activist and leader in the reconciliation process between Palestinians and Israelis.
The award ceremony will be held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on December 9 during which a special tribute will also be paid to Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi
The Burmese democracy icon was awarded the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize in 2002.
The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize is awarded every two years to individuals or institutions for their contributions to the promotion of tolerance and non-violence.
The award was created in 1995 on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi by Singh, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and Founder of the South Asia Foundation.
