Presentation of the Chemnitz Peace Prize

On the eve of the Chemnitz Peace Day, the 17th Chemnitz Peace Prize was awarded today in the city council chamber of the town hall, along with an honorary prize and, for the first time, a children's and youth prize. Mayor Sven Schulze opened the award ceremony with a greeting from the city. The Chemnitz Municipal Music School provided the musical accompaniment to the ceremony. This was followed by a small reception with specialities from Iran - prepared by Iranian Noshin Esmaeili.

From almost 40 proposals, the 16-member jury chose Horizont. Magazine from Chemnitz - for everyone. Refugees have their say in this magazine. People who are usually the subject of a lot of reporting, but who are rarely given space for their own voices. The magazine reports - in print and online - on the experiences of refugees, their lives and their successes. It is characterised by high-quality texts and high-quality graphics. The prize is endowed with 200 euros. The laudatory speech was given by Thiemo Kirmse, a member of the DIE LINKE city association.

This year's second prize went to the association Chemnitzer Bürgerfest e.V. With the organisation of "Herzschlag - Das Chemnitzer Bürgerfest", a festival for everyone, one year after the events in summer 2018, the association proved that this city can celebrate peacefully and cheerfully. As the world looked at Chemnitz with interest, it was clear to the association that doing nothing would not improve the image of Chemnitz. For its strong signal and commitment, the association received the 2nd prize, which is endowed with 300 euros. Ronald Langhoff from the State Office for Schools and Education gave the laudatory speech.

First place was awarded to the PERLA project - visiting service in the red light district in Chemnitz. The volunteers involved in the project, which was founded in 2017, seek contact with prostitutes in order to show them appreciation in their difficult situation, build trust and help the women. For their tireless and selfless commitment on the margins of society, the PERLA representatives received the first prize of 500 euros as well as the Peace Prize sculpture by sculptor Erik Neukirchner. The laudatory speech was given by Nancy Gibson, Director of the Municipal Music School.

The honorary prize was awarded to Dr Hans Brenner. Through his decades of historical research, he has helped to ensure that the crimes of German fascism are not forgotten. His meticulous work has enabled him to track down many unknown details about concentration camps, forced labour and death marches in Saxony. The winner of the honour was also presented with a sculpture by the sculptor Erik Neukirchner. Dr Hans Brenner was honoured with a laudatory speech by Sabine Kühnrich from the AG Friedenstag.

For the first time, the jury awarded a children's and youth prize. This went to the theatre team from Einsiedel Grammar School. The pupils of the team received the prize for their self-written theatre play "Tage/Bücher", which is about integration and tolerance and in which they deal with everyday bullying and the right-wing extremist riots in Chemnitz in August 2018. They show that there is more to Chemnitz and that it should not be reduced to this event. However, their play also reminds us that we should accept everyone for who they are. The prize was worth 300 euros. The laudatory speech was given by Ute Spindler, the city's children and youth representative.

Keyword Peace Prize: The Chemnitz Peace Prize is a civil society prize, from citizens for citizens. The prize is awarded to individuals, organisations, projects and initiatives that stand up for basic values such as tolerance and democracy, consider the integration of different cultures to be an essential part of our coexistence, take a stand against all forms of exclusion, xenophobia and racism, actively work for peace and promote and support non-violent coexistence.

The Peace Prize is awarded by the citizens' association FUER CHEMNITZ e. V., in co-operation with Etelka Kobuß, Migration Officer of the City of Chemnitz.