RAMALLAH, March 4, 2013 (WAFA) - Norwegian human rights activist, Venke Aarethun, was Sunday awarded with Honorary Palestinian Citizenship at the Palestinian Presidential Compound in Ramallah.

This award, which was granted by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, honors Aarethun who has dedicated her life to the Palestinian cause and people.

“Venke Aarethun has bravely advocated on behalf of the Palestinian people since the 1980s when she volunteered in Sabra and Shatila and other Palestinian refugee camps situated in South Lebanon,” said Hanan Ashrawi, PLO Executive Committee member, who was present at the ceremony.

“As a tireless ambassador of Palestine for almost 30 years, Ms. Aarethun travels frequently to Palestine and Lebanon to work on human rights projects, cultural and artistic exchanges and medical relief initiatives, respectively, in coordination with various organizations,” she said.

“I have rarely met a person with her drive, dedication, and total devotion to Palestine, and who has had such an impact. We the Palestinian people recognize those brave individuals like Venke Aarethun who have dedicated their lives to make real the promise of a free Palestine and a more just and peaceful world,” concluded Ashrawi.

M.S./F.R.