Cuban Democracy Activist Honored by NDI Nominated for the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize

Success Story

Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas, recipient of NDI’s 2002 W. Averell Harriman Democracy Award, has been nominated for the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his peaceful efforts to guarantee fundamental human rights for all Cuban citizens. For years, the Cuban government and its supporters have sought to discredit pro-democracy activists in Cuba by linking them to U.S government-funded democracy programs in order to denounce their home-grown initiatives as driven by foreign interests. NDI has been accused of channeling U.S. government funding to Payá for his grassroots efforts in Cuba, which is categorically false. NDI has sought to spread international awareness about the courageous efforts of Payá and other Cuban democracy activists, and welcomes his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Published June 30, 2011

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The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that believes a world rooted in freedom—where people have a say in how they’re governed and leaders are accountable to their people—fosters more stability, security and prosperity for everyone. NDI envisions a world where democracy and freedom prevail, with dignity for all.