09.05.2014 - 13:36
Nobel Peace Prize winner and Archbishop emeritus for Capetown, Desmond Tutu, was recognized today with the XXVI Catalonia International Prize 2014. The jury recognized Tutu’s “vigorous and constant struggle for social justice and for bettering the conditions of the oppressed, with exceptional integrity, courage and ability.” Yesterday, in declarations made to Catalan TV3, Tutu spoke about the right to decide, addressing himself to Catalans and Spaniards:
“I hope that you in Spain are sufficiently adult enough to be able to see that we must sit down together and listen to one another.
“It is not a good sign to force people into a union that they do not want. It feels like a yoke around their neck like we are seeing now.
“If people are feeling strongly that they want to pull out of a union then it is far better to listen to them and hear them rather than to force them into a relationship that they do not want.”
Considered the moral conscience of South Africa, Tutu was instrumental in the fall of apartheid, has promoted the defense of human rights around the world, and has been active in campaigns against AIDS, tuberculosis, poverty, racism, sexism, and homophobia.
The prize will be awarded on June 3 at 7pm at the Palau de la Generalitat, the seat of the Catalan Government.
