June 1, 2006, Brussels, Belgium
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
The International Campaign for Tibet presents the Light of Truth Award to Archbishop Desmond Tutu for his leadership in championing the rights of oppressed people in his country and throughout the world. As the first black leader of the South African Council of Churches, Archbishop Tutu was steadfast in providing leadership within the anti-apartheid movement by consistently advocating reconciliation between all parties and urging South Africans to "choose the peaceful way to freedom." After the fall of the apartheid regime, Archbishop Tutu headed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission set up to unearth atrocities, consider amnesty and recommend compensation to victims. In 1984, Archbishop Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his contribution to the cause of racial justice in South Africa.
The Hergé Foundation
The International Campaign for Tibet presents the Light of Truth Award to the Hergé Foundation for upholding Georges Remi's legacy as the author of Tintin in Tibet. The purpose of the Hergé Foundation is to preserve, protect, and foster the spirit that is alive in the art and which has become an integral part of European culture.
Tintin in Tibet was Hergé's favorite and for many around the world their very first knowledge of Tibet has come from the book. Tintin in Tibet was voted the greatest French-language graphic novel of all time in a poll of professionals, editors and critics. The book did not escape Chinese attempts to re-write Tibet's history. In 2001, the state-run China Children's Publishing House, which publishes the Chinese versions of the Tintin novels, was required to rectify the cover of Tintin in Tibet by the Hergé Foundation after the Chinese version appeared with the title Tintin in China's Tibet. In 1994 Casterman published a Tibetan language edition.
2006 Light of Truth Program Booklet
2006 Light of Truth Award Photos
