The Sergio Vieira de Mello Prize was established in 2003 with an aim to promote democracy and tolerance, and to pay tribute to Sergio Vieira de Mello, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2002-2003). The Prize is awarded for special merits in peaceful coexistence and cooperation of communities, religions and cultures. The prize is awarded annually to individuals and institutions from Poland and abroad in two categories: a person and an NGO. The Award Committee is composed of the High Representatives of: the President of Poland; Ambassador of Brazil to Poland; Ambassador of Sweden to Poland; UN High Commissioner for Refugees; Embassies, Consulates and Foundations supporting actions of the Villa Decius Association in matters related to human rights; Institute of National Remembrance; Commissioner for Civil Rights Protection; founders of the Prize; Chairman and Director of the Villa Decius Association. Among the Laureates are: Tadeusz Mazowiecki, One World Association (2004), Rev. Marian Żelazek (1918-2006), The Krzyżowa Foundation for European Understanding (2005), Alexandr Milinkevich, The Jewish Culture Festival (2006), Maryna Hulia, Magurycz Association (2007), Krystyna Pryjomko-Serafin, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Shevah Weiss, Michał Żejmis (2008). The ceremony of awarding the 7th edition of the Prize will take place during an international conference in October 2010 at Villa Decius, Krakow
President of the Republic of Poland
Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Poland
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Poland
UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Polish Institute of National Remembrance
Commissioner for Civil Rights Protection in Poland
Villa Decius Association