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One of the four international freedom awards granted by the Roosevelt Foundation has been given to the ÜniKuir from Turkey.
As reported by ÜniKuir LGBTI+ organization on its website, "Four Freedoms Awards" are named after the "Four Freedoms" mentioned by former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a speech in 1941.
With the Freedom from Fear Award 2022 granted to ÜniKuir, it is now the first time the award has been granted to an LGBTI+ organization.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Representative to Turkey Erol Önderoğlu was also awarded the "Freedom of Expression" award before.
Among the people and organizations granted the "Freedom from Fear Award" in the previous years were also Malala Yusufzay, a Nobel-winning activist from Pakistan, and Human Rights Watch (HRW).
'It fights for fundamental rights of all people'
Declaring ÜniKuir the "Laureate of Freedom from Fear Award 2022", the Foundation has shared the following information about the organization:
"The non-governmental LGBTI+ organization ÜniKuir fights for the fundamental right of all people to live their lives as equals and free from fear of discrimination or of persecution regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation and sex characteristics.
"In Turkey and many other countries around the world LGBTI+ people face discrimination in every aspect of their lives, transgender and homosexual relationships are criminalized and intersex people are explicitly forbidden to express oneself freely.
"Although ÜniKuir is still a relatively young organization, its valuable work to support the LGBTI+-community reaches many thousands of people in Turkey and worldwide. Ünikuir works to promote equal access to education, freedom of assembly and speech, equal treatment under the law and prevention of discrimination and hate speech.
"The organization supports LGBTI+ individuals by trial monitoring and advocacy campaigns, helps to gain access to proper healthcare and provides psychological assistance and counseling.
"ÜniKuir also gives legal support and guidance, organizes forums, gatherings and workshops and promotes the cooperation between youth LGBTI+ organizations and international and local decision makers."
The other laureates of the 2022 awards:
International Four Freedoms Award - Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
Freedom of Speech Award - Mai Khoi Do Nguyen
Freedom of Worship Award - Lian Gogali
Freedom from Want Award - Nice Nailantai Leng'ete
(EMK/SD)
