According to the Council of Europe, Arus was awarded for her contributions to improving the conditions of Roma both in Turkey and abroad, and particularly for bringing the issues faced by Roma women and the discrimination against this community into political discussions.
Announcing the jury's decision, Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, stated, "This award is given to Arus for her significant contribution and courage in combating deep-rooted prejudices and discrimination against Roma in our continent."
Between 2001 and 2010, Arus visited 400 Roma neighborhoods in 8 cities in Turkey with a group of university volunteers, resulting in a 360-hour long documentary. Arus also founded the Zero Discrimination Association.
The award and the 10,000 Euro prize will be presented to Arus at a ceremony in Strasbourg on January 14.
This award, initiated by the Swedish government and the Hungarian parliament, is named after Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg and will be given biennially to individuals and organizations who perform extraordinary humanitarian actions.
Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg saved thousands of Jews from the Nazi regime in Budapest in 1944. He was detained by the former Soviet regime in 1945, and his fate remains unknown.
Source: Radikal Newspaper
Date: 02.12.2013
http://www.radikal.com.tr/hayat/avrupa_konseyi_insani_yardim_odulu_turkiyeli_yonetmene-1164115
