Thursday in Washington, the human rights organization "Refugees International" [which celebrates its 33rd anniversary], distinguished the Haitian activist Colette Lespinasse, Coordinator of the Support Group for Repatriates and Refugees (GARR), by awarding her the 2nd annual Richard C. Holbrooke Award, established to honor those who work tirelessly to improve the basic community protection in favor of refugees.

In a letter addressed to the recipient, Michael Gabaudan, President of the Board of "Refugees International" wrote "We believe that your work with the displaced and homeless people through the Support Group for Refugees and Returnees, joins the remarkable humanitarian spirit that animated Richard Holbrooke [...] For over 20 years you have been a human rights defender and worked vigorously on behalf of Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic as well as Dominicans of Haitian descent who are discriminated because f their origin."

"Refugees International" also highlights the courage of the GARR Coordinator regarding the issue of displaced persons of 12 January 2010, seeking to build and rebuild their lives both inside and outside the Haitian border and who know many humiliations.

An envelope of U.S. $ 5.000 accompanies this distinction, in support to the work of GARR in favor of IDPs.

HL/ HaitiLibre