US Ambassador Rana Honours Human Rights Defenders in Slovakia

Bratislava, January 15 (TASR) - US Ambassador to Slovakia Gautam Rana on Wednesday honoured human rights defenders in Slovakia, awarding individuals in three categories for their exceptional work and impact on Slovak society, TASR was told by the US Embassy in Slovakia. In the 'Woman of Courage' category, Rana honoured humanitarian worker and public-health expert Lucia Roussier and priest Anna Polckova. Roussier was awarded for her unwavering commitment to humanitarian principles, said the embassy. In Polckova's case, the embassy highlighted her dedication to building inclusive societies and supporting those in need. The Jan Kuciak Prize for Transparency was given to Xenia Makarova, a former journalist, analyst and deputy director of the 'Let's Stop Corruption' foundation. "Despite threats, she has shown steadfast courage in uncovering corruption. She continues to uncover transactions that the public wouldn't otherwise know about and advocates greater transparency and accountability," added the embassy. The recipient of the Human Rights Defender Award is Pavel Hrica, director of a non-profit organisation called 'Cesta von' ('Way Out'). He has empowered Roma women and provided hundreds of children with educational and developmental opportunities through the Omama programme, said the embassy. am/mcs