On 27 September 2014, the Muhammad Ali Center presented a young person from our partner organization ACOOC in Colombia with the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Conviction. The Center awards this prize annually to young people for their outstanding social commitment.
Mario Andrés Hurtado Cardozo from our partner organization ACOOC (Aid to Conscientious Objectors in Colombia) was presented with the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award on 27 September 2014 in Louisville (Kentucky, USA). The award was presented to him on behalf of ACOOC for his commitment to the right to conscientious objection in one of the most militarized countries in the world. In addition, ACOOC promotes peace and social justice in a life-affirming, creative and non-violent way, according to the award organizers.
Conscientious objection requires strong conviction
Mario Cardozo was one of six young people who each received an award for the six core principles of Muhammad Ali: Trust, Conviction, Dedication, Generosity, Respect and Spirituality. The conscientious objector Cardozo received the prize for the core principle of conviction, because conscientious objectors in Colombia usually have to face serious consequences: they go through a very difficult and psychologically stressful procedure and it becomes almost impossible for them to get a place at university or a job.
Muhammad Ali a former conscientious objector
Muhamma Ali can appreciate the importance of ACOOC’s work in Colombia from his own experience. He refused to do military service during the Vietnam War for religious reasons. As his refusal was not recognized, Ali was arrested and sentenced to 5 years in prison and a fine of USD 10,000. The sentence was later changed by the US Supreme Court. His passport was confiscated and he was denied a boxing license for three years. (Source: Wikipedia)
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