Agence France Presse
Portugal awards former UN human rights chief Robinson
LISBON, April 11
"Portugal
especially does not forget her fight on behalf of the people of
East Timor, " he added before handing Robinson the Great Cross of
the
Order of Christ.
Robinson
visited more than 60 nations during her five years as the United
Nation's top human rights official, earning her a reputation in some
quarters as the moral voice of victims of abuse.
She won
praise in Portugal for her vocal criticism of human rights abuses
carried out by Indonesian army officers in the former Portuguese colony
East Timor before the tiny territory won independence from Jakarta.
But her
outspoken views on issues ranging from Chechnya to the treatment of
al-Qaeda and Taliban prisoners from the Afghan war brought her into
frequent conflict with both Washington and Moscow.
The 59-year-old
former Irish president's controversial positions on the
Middle East also contributed to Israel's reluctance to cooperate with
the
UN rights office.
"Like
all unique public figures, her actions raised controversy as well as
recognition and admiration," said Sampaio.
"Time
is the best judge. The judgement of the Portuguese Republic is
symbolized by the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ which I have the
honour to grant you," he added.
Robinson
stepped down as UN human rights chief last September. She was
replaced by veteran Brazilian diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello.