Sonia Pierre to receive 2006 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award for protecting the rights of Haitian immigrants and their descendants in the Dominican Republic. The award will be presented by Ethel Kennedy in a ceremony hosted by Senator Edward Kennedy at the Caucus Room of the U.S. Senate at 10:30 am November 17th, 2006.

WHO: Award Winner, Sonia Pierre of the Dominican Republic, Director of the Movement of Dominican Women of Haitian Descent (MUDHA), the Dominican Republic’s leading organization fighting discrimination, violent mass expulsions and the denial of citizenship and human rights to Dominicans of Haitian descent and human rights abuses against Haitian immigrants.

Sonia has received national and international attention for spearheading a campaign using international legal action and public education to end discriminatory practices which deny as many as 280,000 Dominicans of Haitian living in the country and 25% of children in the Dominican Republic their right to nationality and citizenship.

This is the 23rd Annual Award Ceremony and the award marks the beginning of a partnership between Sonia Pierre and the RFK Memorial Center for Human Rights
• Jim Wooten, Master of Ceremonies and former ABC News correspondent
• Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy
• Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA)
• Kerry Kennedy, daughter of RFK, founder of RFK Memorial Center for Human Rights

WHEN: November 17, 2006 - 10:30 am to 12:00, Reception to follow

WHERE: Russell Senate Office Building: Room 325, Caucus Room
The public entrance to the Russell Senate Office Building is located at the corner of Constitution Avenue and Delaware Avenue. After entering the Russell Building, go through security and ask to be directed to Room 325, the Caucus Room, on the third floor.

By Car: Public parking is available north of the Russell Senate Office Building at Union Station. Passengers may be dropped off at the intersection of Constitution Avenue and Delaware Avenue.

By Metrorail: Red Line trains stop at Union Station, north of the Russell Senate Office Building. Both Blue Line and Orange Line trains stop at the South Capitol Station, south of the Russell Senate Office Building.

WHAT: The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award was established in 1984 to honor creative individuals from around the world who have dedicated their lives to overcoming serious human rights violations. The RFK Memorial Center for Human Rights will engage in a partnership with Sonia to help her achieve her goals of legal equality for Haitians immigrants and their descendants in the Dominican Republic.

Source: Robert F. Kennedy Memorial (http://www.rfkmemorial.org/)