Peace prize due for Robinson

Mary Robinson has been chosen to receive UNESCO’s prestigious Felix Houphouet-Boigny peace prize for work in human rights.

The current United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights was selected by a jury headed by former United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, UNESCO said in a statement from its Paris headquarters.

Kissinger said the decision was unanimous and enthusiastic.

Mario Soares, former president of Portugal, said: ‘‘She has shown much courage for the cause of human rights and peace. She has carried out remarkable work in difficult situations and has travelled the world for the cause of human rights, which is essential for peace.’’

Robinson became high commissioner in September 1997 after seven years as President of Ireland.

The date for presenting the prize, worth £73,400, has yet to be decided.

The prize, the most prestigious award given by the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1989 in memory of Houphouet-Boigny, the late president of the Ivory Coast.

Previous winners include Presidents Nelson Mandela and Frederik W De Klerk of South Africa and US Senator George Mitchell.