The White House just sent out the Presidential Medal of Freedom Citations that will be read as the president bestows the awards this afternoon. The citation will say that "the fight to end discrimination and suffering is an urgent moral imperative" for Robinson and that she has been "a forceful advocate for equality and human rights around the world," and makes no mentionn of the Durban conference. Here’s what the full citation says:
For Mary Robinson, the fight to end discrimination and suffering is an urgent moral imperative. She has been a trail-blazing crusader for women’s rights in Ireland and a forceful advocate for equality and human rights around the world. Whether courageously visiting conflict-stricken regions, or working to inject concern for human rights into business and economic development, Mary Robinson continues this important work today, urging citizens and nations to make common cause for justice.
UPDATE: And here’s what Obama said in his speech before the medal was presented:
The only girl in a family of four brothers, Mary Robinson learned early on what it takes to make sure all voices are heard. As a crusader for women and those without a voice in Ireland, Mary Robinson was the first woman elected President of Ireland, before being appointed U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. When she traveled abroad as President, she would place a light in her window that would draw people of Irish descent to pass by below. Today, as an advocate for the hungry and the hunted, the forgotten and the ignored, Mary Robinson has not only shone a light on human suffering, but illuminated a better future for our world.
