Senator Kennedy’s work in establishing US refugee admissions, resettlement, and asylum programs directly helped millions of persecuted individuals to find protection and start new lives in the United States. He was the chief sponsor of more than 70 refugee related measures and was instrumental in codifying international refugee obligations into US law.
In announcing the Nansen award, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres said: “Senator Kennedy stood out as a forceful advocate for those who suddenly found themselves with no voice and no rights. Year after year, conflict after conflict, he put the plight of refugees on the agenda and drove through policies that saved and shaped countless lives.”
From his election in 1962, Senator Kennedy adopted a comprehensive approach in his fight for refugee protection. He effectively utilized his influence in the United States Congress to advance refugee and asylum-related legislation and to raise awareness of refugee crises.
Senator Kennedy met with governments at the highest levels, encouraging them to welcome refugees seeking protection in their territories. His work helped to raise public awareness of the challenges refugees face around the world. He also regularly met with refugees themselves, visiting refugee settings around the globe as well as in local US communities. Throughout, he demonstrated a level of compassion and empathy for individual refugees and their communities unrivalled in the US Congress.
Senator Kennedy’s interest in refugee protection did not stop at the US border – he was the voice and the hope of persecuted and uprooted individuals worldwide. He brought attention to refugee crises in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Most recently, he played a critical role in drawing attention to the needs of Iraqi refugees.
The Nansen award has been given since 1954. Amongst the Norwegian price winners are King Olav V. (1961), Olav Hodne (1976), Crown Princess Sonja (1982) and Captain Arne Rinnan and the crew of Tampa (2002).
”We think it is very unfortunate that Kennedy passed away before he could receive the award, but we are very happy that he was informed about the council of Nansen’s decision this June”, said Elisabeth Rasmusson, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Fridtjof Wedel-Jarlsberg Nansen (10.October 1861 – 13 May 1930) was a Norwegian explorer,scientist and diplomat. Nansen was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922 for his work as a League of Nations High Commissioner.