Kiewer Mayor Vitali Klitschko receives human rights price

Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kiev and former world-class boxer, has been honored with the Franz-Werfel Human Rights Prize in Frankfurt am Main (D) for his tireless commitment to freedom and democracy. It was an award for all residents of Kiev and for the Ukrainian people who resist the aggressor, said Klitschko in his acceptance speech.

As this war end, the future of Europe will determine « its security and its stability ». The next goals Russia could become European countries. And he hopes « everyone understands that ».

Klitschko thanked the Germans several times for the military and financial support of the Germans. But he also emphasized how important strict sanctions are against Russia, especially in the energy and financial sector.

Responsible

The German Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius held the laudation on Klitschko: “Klitschko decided to take responsibility – for his homeland, his brothers and sisters in the Ukrainefor freedom and for human rights. He is a role model for all Ukrainians, for all of us. ” He stands for all the people who, despite the continuing war, would not lose faith in free and democratic Ukraine.

And, Pistorius emphasized: « Vitali has a fighting spirit. He doesn’t give up. » His courage, steadfastness, his perseverance, all of this earns the highest respect, recognition and more than that, gratitude.

High reputation and trust

The award, which is endowed with 10,000 euros, is awarded by the Center Foundation against displacement in Wiesbaden (D). The foundation recognized Klitschko’s « commitment as a brave defense lawyer of law, freedom and democracy – for the Ukrainian population and for its city – which he has not only proven since the beginning of the Russian invasion. » He is the symbol of resistance and enjoys a high reputation and trust not only in his home country, but also in other European countries.

Klitschko was born in the Soviet Union in today’s Kyrgyzstan. He is one of the most successful heavyweight boxers of all time. Since 2014 he has been holding the office of mayor of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

The award named after the writer Franz Werfel (1890 to 1945) is awarded every two years. Most recently, the then Romanian President Klaus Iohannis was awarded in 2023.