Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws by London's South Bank University.
The openly-gay activist was given the accolade at a ceremony held at Southwark Cathedral on Wednesday 16 November.
“I dedicate my acceptance of this award to the heroic democracy,
human rights, LGBTI and social justice activists in Uganda who are
campaigning against the corrupt, authoritarian regime of President
Yoweri Museveni. Many of them have been arrested, beaten, tortured and
jailed. I walk in their shadow and salute their extraordinary courage,”
said Tatchell.
Speaking on behalf of the PTF Trustees, Acting Chair, Gill Butler, said: “Peter Tatchell received this honour for his work as a human rights
advocate and for his promotion of UK and international human rights law.
“Others honoured were the architect David Adjaye, the former General
Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives Dame Karlene Davis DBE and
the artist Maggie Hambling CBE. For 44 years, Peter has worked tirelessly as an advocate for human
rights, both in the UK and internationally. Often putting himself at
great personal risk, many times he has been arrested and beaten. This
award is a fitting tribute to his extraordinary, unswerving
humanitarian commitment.
“Next year he is 60 years old. With no plans to retire, he intends to continue campaigning for another 30 years.
“Following the creation of the Peter Tatchell Foundation, his work
will expand and continue for many decades to come," said Butler.
