Former PM Manmohan Singh presents Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2015 to UNHRC

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Saturday presented 'Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2015' to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) at a function in New Delhi.

Dr Singh, one of the trustee of Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust (IGMT), gave the prize to UNHCR India Chief of Mission, Yasuko Shimizu, in the presence of the trust's Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. The prize was announced last year by a jury headedby Vice President Hamid Ansari.

The prize consists  of a trophy with a portrait of the late prime minister in the tradition of Jaipur miniature paintings, a cash award of Rs one crore and a citation.

The award is bestowed to "Office of UNHCR in recognition of its contributions in assisting millions of refugees who have fled thier homes, for working with the government and other agencies to good changes in the society and promote social welfare.

It was established by UN General Assembly in December 1950, UNHCR works in 128 countries and its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and seek lasting solutions to their plight.