International Human Rights Award for Political Courage
Stand up for Human Rights: The Theodor Haecker Award is one of the most important awards that the city of Esslingen am Neckar can bestow.
Background information
Who was Theodor Haecker?
“Men no longer test words to see what truth there is in them. The majority are only interested in knowing what their effect will be”.
(Theodor Haecker, 1879-1945)
The philosopher, cultural critic, and writer was born on June 4, 1879, in Eberbach, Württemberg, but lived for many years in Esslingen. He is considered the mentor of Hans and Sophie Scholl.
“Your fame is without luster. It sheds no light. You are spoken of because you have and are the best machines. And in the world’s astonishment, there is not a spark of love. Without love, there is no luster. You regard yourselves as chosen, because you build the best machines, the best machines of war, and serve them best.”
(Theodor Haecker: To the Germans 1941)
Haecker was passionate in his opposition to National Socialism and was therefore banned from speaking in public in 1935 and from publishing printed works in 1938. It was during this time that he wrote his most important work, the journal titled “Journal in the Night” (“Tag- und Nachtbücher”). The journal is among the most impressive reflections on fascism. It documents an intellectual’s inner resistance against National Socialism.
The Christian-motivated resistance against the Hitler regime regarded Haecker’s achievements to be an important foundation. Haecker was born on June 4, 1879, in Eberbach, Württemberg, and died on April 9, 1945, in Ustersbach.
A Mentor of the White Rose
Haecker had links with the circle surrounding the Scholl siblings. He published several excerpts from his “Journal in the Night” in the White Rose leaflets.
An impressive account of Haecker’s charisma is handed down from Sophie Scholl:
“His words fall slowly like drops, which you can see gathering in advance and which fall under this expectation with a very special weight. He has a very quiet face, a look as though he would look toward the inside. Nobody ever convinced me with his countenance as he did.”
(Sophie Scholl to Fritz Hartnagel, February 7, 1943)
Guidelines for the awarding
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the death of the philosopher, cultural critic, and writer, Theodor Haecker, the City of Esslingen am Neckar established the Theodor Haecker Award for Political Courage and Sincerity. It is presented every three years to personalities or groups who have earned it with their outstanding efforts to promote human rights, peace, and democracy.
From 2023 the award will be advertised and presented under the title “Theodor Haecker Award of the City of Esslingen am Neckar – International Human Rights Award for Political Courage".
- The International Human Rights Award is presented every three years. The award is publicly advertised. Self-nomination for the award is not permitted. The prize is awarded following a decision taken by the Cultural Committee based on nominations submitted by the public, the municipal council, the award administrative body, and different organizations. Nominated candidates are researched by the award administrative body with support from specialists.
- The International Human Rights Award is given to a person or group in public life that has made outstanding efforts to promote human rights, democracy, freedom, peace, and humanity.
- The monetary prize for the International Human Rights Award is 10,000 euros.
- A ceremony will be held by the municipal authorities in Esslingen am Neckar to honor the award winners. They will be presented with a certificate as an outward sign of the award. The city of Esslingen will cover travel and accommodation expenses for the award ceremony. Where possible, the award winners should arrive in Esslingen a week before the award ceremony and actively participate in the city’s program of events.
- Presentation of the award may be suspended if the proposals received for evaluation do not appear worthy of the prize and that do not comply with these principles. There is no legal entitlement to the award.
- In addition to the award, a person or group may receive the “Theodor Haecker Honorary Award”. The Theodor Haecker Honorary Award is publicly announced at the same time as the Human Rights Award. The Theodor Haecker Honorary Award is awarded to people who are active in Germany, with a special focus on the Stuttgart region and southern Germany. Recipients of the honorary award may, in particular, include:
- Young people who have addressed the topic of “radicalism and violence” in a particularly striking manner. The honor can also be awarded to school classes or youth groups.
- Journalists who have distinguished themselves by making committed contributions on the issues of “violence”, “peace”, or “dictatorship”.
- Scholars who have edited, or published papers on the life and works of Theodor Haecker in a notable manner.
- Artists who have addressed the issues of “violence”, “peace”, or “dictatorship” in a special manner.
- The monetary prize for the Theodor Haecker Honorary Award is 1,500 euros. The recipients of the honorary award should participate in one of the functions in the city’s program of events.
- The recipient(s) of the honorary award will be officially honored at the ceremony following the presentation of the International Human Rights Award. They will also receive a certificate. Any travel and accommodation expenses will be borne by the city of Esslingen am Neckar.
- The decision as to whether, and in what form, a Theodor Haecker Honorary Award is to be presented is made by the Cultural Committee during the year in which the award is granted. There is no legal entitlement to the honorary award.
Previous Award Winners
The Theodor Haecker Award was presented for the first time in 1995 and initially every two years thereafter. Since 2017, it has been presented every three years to personalities or groups who have earned it with their outstanding efforts to promote human rights, peace, and democracy.
2023 – Seyran Ateş, Germany
The Theodor Haecker Award of the City of Esslingen am Neckar – International Human Rights Award for Political Courage goes to Berlin lawyer Seyran Ateş in 2023. The German lawyer, author, and women's rights activist of Turkish and Kurdish descent is being honored for her commitment to fighting discrimination and oppression of Muslim women.
Through her work, Seyran Ateş has been a beacon of hope for many girls, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community who suffer under patriarchal role models and traditional social structures. She wants to see a peaceful, democratic Islam that is free of violence and discrimination. That is why she has advocated for the establishment of an alternative mosque in Berlin and for a contemporary and gender-equitable interpretation of the Koran and the Hadith. In recent years, she has also taken a stand on issues related to migration.
By awarding Seyran Ateş the Theodor Haecker Award, the city of Esslingen am Neckar wants to raise awareness that young women in particular are still threatened by discrimination and oppression, forced marriage, domestic violence, violence in the name of honor, and even honor killings—even in Germany. The prize was awarded on March 24, 2023, at the Neckar Forum.
Honorary Award
Esther Ministries
The Honorary Award 2023 goes to the Stuttgart-based association Esther Ministries. The award is endowed with a sum of €1,500 and was presented at the Theodor Haecker Award ceremony.
The association's unique approach was the deciding factor in the decision—its commitment to combating forced prostitution and sexual exploitation goes far beyond support and education. Above all, Esther Ministries helps victims with its wide range of aftercare services and offers real alternatives and opportunities to leave the red-light district for good and lead an independent life after prostitution.
2022 – Maria Kalesnikava, Belarus
As a sign of solidarity, the Theodor Haecker Award of the City of Esslingen am Neckar – International Human Rights Award for Political Courage was granted to Belarusian activist Maria Kalesnikava in 2022.
Maria Kalesnikava, an artist who has been working in Stuttgart for a long time, has rendered outstanding services to human rights, peace, and democracy in the presidential election campaign in Belarus. Because of this commitment, she was arrested in Minsk and sentenced to eleven years in prison on September 6, 2021. She must not be forgotten in this isolation. In recognition of her nonviolent commitment to human rights in Belarus, the city of Esslingen am Neckar awarded Maria Kalesnikava the Theodor Haecker Award. Her sister Tatsiana Khomich accepted the award on her behalf on March 13, 2022, at the Württembergische Landesbühne Esslingen theater.
2020 – Rugiatu „Neneh“ Turay, Sierra Leone
The Theodor Haecker Award 2020 goes to Rugiatu “Neneh” Turay from Sierra Leone, a leading figure in the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM). The prize money of €10,000 will be used to support the construction of a school in a rural community in Sierra Leone under the leadership of Rugiatu “Neneh” Turay.
Honorary Award
The Theodor Haecker Honorary Award went to the Esslingen institution KOMMA – Youth and Culture in 2020 for its commitment and introduction of the International Weeks Against Racism in Esslingen.
Recording of the award ceremony
The award ceremony at the Neckar Forum was broadcast live on October 24, 2020. Watch the recording of the event in this video:
2017 – Urmila Chaudhary, Nepal
Urmila Chaudhary from Nepal receives the Theodor Haecker Award for political courage and integrity – International Human Rights Award of the City of Esslingen am Neckar 2017 for her commitment and dedication to the liberation, rights, and education of enslaved girls in Nepal.
The award also recognizes Urmila Chaudhary's work for the Freed Kamlari Development Forum organization. Together with her colleagues, she frees child slaves, sometimes at personal risk, and gives them the opportunity to attend school and receive an education. Through her encouragement and support, the girls are given the chance to lead independent and self-determined lives.
The Kamalari system is a tradition in western Nepal whereby poor families sell their daughters to rich families as maids. This system severely violates the rights of children: even as young as children, the girls have to perform heavy physical labor and usually have no chance of attending school. The sale of the girls also carries a high risk of sexual abuse.
Urmila Chaudhary, born in 1989, herself lived as a child slave for 12 years. After her liberation, Urmila Chaudhary immediately joined the initially small group of opponents of the Kamalari system and was instrumental in founding a Kamalari liberation organization, of which she was president for a time. In addition to her commitment to the Kamalari, she attends school.
2015 – Laisa Santos Sampaio, Brazil
Laisa Santos Sampaio receives the Theodor Haecker Award for her commitment to defending the forest ecosystem in the Amazon region as the basis of life for the people living there.
In doing so, she also takes risks to her personal safety in her fight against illegal logging in her region and the impunity of those responsible and involved in it.
Honorary Award
Esslingen Group Soroptimist International Germany
The guiding principle of Soroptimists worldwide is to raise awareness, take a stand, and make a difference. Through their network, they promote ethical principles and human rights, especially for women and girls.
2013 – Dr. Leyla Yunus, Azerbaijan
Leyla Yunus receives the award for her commitment to fighting corruption and arbitrary rule, her courageous efforts on behalf of political prisoners and against human rights violations, and her work as director of the Institute of Peace and Democracy (IPD), in which she also risks her own personal safety.
Honorary Award
Dr. Barbara Ellermeier, historian
for her book "Hans Scholl, Biographie", which is based on a review of the entire estate of Hans Scholl, a member of the White Rose resistance group.
2011 – Shiva Nazar Ahari, Iran
Shiva Nazar Ahari received the award for her commitment and courage in defending human rights and freedom of expression in Iran, even at personal risk.
Shiva Nazar Ahari was unable to attend the award ceremony in person due to the verdict against her, so the prize was accepted on her behalf by her long-time companion Parisa Kakaee Lafdani.
Honorary Award
Esslingen youth ensemble “Stage Divers(e)”
for its two-part performance “Niemals aus dem Sinn” (Never Out of Mind), which deals with the life of Theodor Haecker and the recipients of the award named after him.
2009 – Kitwe Mulunda Guy, Democratic Republic of Congo
Kitwe Mulunda Guy received the award for his commitment as director of the therapy center for torture survivors “SAVE Congo,” his collaboration with the international campaign “Justice Heals,” and his courageous advocacy for human rights and against the systematic impunity of crimes against humanity.
Honorary Award
Dr. Winfrid Halder
for his publication “The Roots of Resistance: Theodor Haecker in the Political Landscape of the Early 20th Century – A Search for Clues.”
2007 – Judith Galarza, Mexico
Judith Galarza received the award for her courageous advocacy for the investigation of murders of women in Ciudad Juárez, her commitment to women's rights in Mexico and human rights in Latin America, and her special dedication to combating torture and the violent or involuntary disappearance of persons.
Honorary Award
SV Babelsberg 03 fan project “Red Card Against Racism”
for its successful work with young people against violence, racism, and neo-Nazi tendencies.
2005 – Eren Keskin, Republic of Türkiye
Eren Keskin received the award for her ongoing commitment to human rights and her special dedication to persecuted women and against torture as well as a solution to the Kurdish conflict.
Honorary Award
Dr. Barbara Schüler
for her work ‘Spiritual Fathers of the White Rose - Carl Muth and Theodor Haecker as Mentors of the Scholl Siblings’.
2003 – Laurien Ntezimana, Rwanda
Laurien Ntezimana received the award for his commitment to the protection of endangered Tutsi during the 1994 genocide and his ongoing work for reconciliation and understanding between the ethnic groups in Rwanda with the aim of peaceful and united coexistence.
Honorary Award
Dr. Hildegard Vieregg
for her research into the influence of Theodor Haecker on the students of the White Rose.
2001 – Dr. Vesna Pesic, Serbia
Dr. Vesna Pesic received the award for her commitment against the extremist nationalism of Slobodan Milosevic and against the wars in Croatia and Bosnia, as well as her political advocacy to save Serbia from internal conflict.
Honorary Award
Sarah Stocker
for her moving story “Ich verreise” (“I'm leaving”) about the deportation of a Jewish girl to a concentration camp.
2000 – Dr. Viktor I. Gonchar, Belarus
1999 – Salima Ghezali, Algeria
1997 – Prof. Jehan as-Sadat, Egypt
1995 – Sergey A. Kovalev, Russia
City of Esslingen am Neckar
