Durbin Receives Marjorie Kovler Center’s Kirschner Award For Global Activism

Durbin Receives Marjorie Kovler Center's Kirschner Award For Global Activism

CHICAGO - Yesterday, On the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) was presented with the Heartland Alliance International's Marjorie Kovler Center's Dr. Robert H. Kirschner Award for Global Activism for his work in the Senate to condemn torture and genocide, and his contributions to human rights. Durbin was presented the award by Dr. Kirschner's son, Daniel S. Kirschner.

During his remarks, Durbin reflected on his 2005 trip to Rwanda to observe its reconciliation process following the brutal genocide a decade prior; and his legislation that would hold those who commit crimes like genocide and torture accountable. That legislation includes the Genocide Accountability Act, the Child Soldiers Accountability Act, and the Trafficking in Persons Accountability Act in 2007 to ensure that America never provides safe harbor to those who commit human rights violations. Durbin also introduced theJustice for Victims of War Crimes Act, which was enacted in 2022, and the Crimes Against Humanity Act.

Key Quotes as prepared for delivery:

"As a member of the Senate, I have had the privilege of joining my colleagues on trips across the world to determine how the United States can remain a beacon of freedom and democracy-I would like to tell you about one of them."

"The year was 2005. Senator Sam Brownback, a Republican from Kansas, and I went to Rwanda to observe its reconciliation process following the brutal genocide a decade prior. There, we stayed in Hotel Mille Collines in Kigali-a hotel made famous by the film Hotel Rwanda, starring Don Cheadle. As I walked to my room, I thought of that movie and the hundreds of frightened Rwandans who huddled there, fearing the worst."

"The United States failed to act and prevent the Rwandan genocide-and during my stay, I reflected on how we, as a nation, could strive to never make that same mistake again. Since then, I have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass legislation that would hold those who commit crimes like genocide and torture accountable."

"As we see in Sudan and Burma, oppressive regimes are mercilessly targeting civilians, using many of the same tactics from Rwanda more than 30 years ago. In Ukraine, mass graves and executions abound in cities that were overtaken by Russian forces. Sadly, the United States today is making the same mistakes that it did in Rwanda, turning away rather than turning towards. We must do more to prevent and hold accountable anyone that commits crimes against humanity."

"That is why days like today are so important-to give voice to the innocent, begin the process of healing, and make the solemn promise 'never again.' And that is why I have long been a supporter of the work done here at the Kovler Center-you play a critical role in helping those fleeing violence rebuild the lives that were taken from them."

"It was my honor to secure a $1 million earmark to remodel the Kovler Center and ensure that everyone has the accommodations they needed to work with Kovler's healers. I am grateful for what you do. It has been my honor to be your partner in the fight for human rights and dignity."

The Dr. Robert H. Kirschner Award for Global Activism is an annual award given by the Kovler Center in recognition of an individuals' contributions to human rights. Dr. Kirschner investigated thousands of mass graves, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings around the world. He was a led contributor to the original Istanbul Protocol, the gold standard for documenting the effects of torture on the body and brain.

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