Caption: Jabari Hutchinson, left, receives his first place prize - a Samsung tablet - from the Human Rights Officer, Reba Granado-John. Jabari topped the "rights of persons with disabilities" category.
Some had never entered an art competition before. One only discovered her talent for painting and drawing during the pandemic. Others have become keen competitors in art competitions, using their skills to conjure up compelling creations that send positive social messages.
The 15 children who received prizes for topping a field of 130 artists in the UN-EU Human Rights Day Art Competition 2021 were each unique in their own right. They excelled in a competition that focused on key areas of human rights: the rights of children, gender equality, the rights of people with disabilities, the right to a healthy environment and the rights of refugees and migrants.
Three UN agencies - the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, IOM and UNHCR - partnered to sponsor prizes for first and second place in all five categories. The EU Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago sponsored all third place prizes.
EU Ambassador, His Excellency Peter Cavendish, IOM Head of Office in Port of Spain, Jewel Ali, Human Rights Officer at the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, Reba Granado-John and UNHCR Public Information Officer, Carla Bridglal, distributed prizes during a short ceremony at UN House on Monday, February 21.
All first place winners received a Samsung tablet. Second place winners received a US $150 gift card from Amazon. Third place winners received a TT $500 gift certificate for art supplies. All 15 received goodies from the UN team and the EU Delegation.
Here are the proud winners and their parents or siblings.
Caption: Christine Darbasie, left, receives her second place prize of an Amazon gift certificate from IOM Head of Office, Jewel Ali. Christine's piece came second in the "rights of children" category.
Caption: Chelsea Darbasie, who topped the "rights of migrants and refugees" category, presents her painting to UNHCR Associate Programme Officer, Barbora Masinova.
Caption: Adrienne Bonair, left, receives a token from UN Human Rights Officer, Reba Granado-John, for her third place ranking in the "gender equality" category.
Caption: Irshaad Ali, centre, stands with his father and EU Ambassador, Peter Cavendish, as he holds his first place prize from the UN and a token from the EU. Irshaad topped the "rights of children" category.
Caption: Sarah Persad, right, celebrates her third place prize of a TT $500 gift certificate for art supplies. Sarah placed third in the "rights of children" category.
Caption: Liezel Parris, left, celebrates her second place prize of an Amazon gift card with her mother. Liezel came second in the "right to a healthy environment" category.
Caption: Donnell Boodoo, centre, and his mother receive his third place prize from EU Ambassador, Peter Cavendish. Donnell placed third in the category, "the right to a healthy environment."
Caption: Ambay Abhiraj, left, receives her second place prize from UNHCR Public Information Officer, Carla Bridglal. Ambay placed second in the "gender equality" category.
Caption: Anaya Felix, left, receives her second place prize of an Amazon gift certificate from IOM Head of Office in Port-of-Spain, Jewel Ali. Anaya placed second in the category "rights of migrants and refugees."
Caption: Azizah Mohammed, right, receives her third place prize from EU Ambassador, Peter Cavendish. Azizah placed third in the category "the rights of migrants and refugees."
