Japanese ophthalmologist wins Nansen Refugee Prize
The United Nations' High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) yesterday announced that the Nansen Refugee Prize will be presented to Doctor Akio Kanai, a Japanese ophthalmologist who for more than twenty years has been improving the quality of life of over 100-thousand refugees and asylum seekers, worldwide, through eye tests and the supply of glasses.
The Nansen Committee selected Doctor Kanai, president and chief executive of Fuji Optical Co. Ltd., for his concrete commitment to humanitarian work and for his dedication to relieving the dramatic conditions of refugees by improving their sight.
According to the Committee, Doctor Kanai's 'service in the refugee cause has been extraordinary' and he has made an enormous, sincere humanitarian and financial contribution to those who have been forced to flee from their homes. The company headed by Doctor Kanai is based on Hokkaido Island, northern Japan.
The Nansen Refugee Prize is presented every year to individuals or organizations that have stood out for their work in favor of refugees.
'Tens of thousands of refugees and asylum seekers who live in extremely difficult circumstances have been given a new perspective on life thanks to Doctor Kanai' stated UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres.
'The gift of sight is precious. It's care makes an enormous difference to people's lives and means that children and adults can be taught and escape situations of marginality'.
Doctor Kanai's collaboration with the UNHCR began in 1984 and since then he has carried out over 24 missions to help refugees and asylum seekers in Nepal, Thailand, Azerbaijan and Armenia. He has donated more than 108-thousand pairs of glasses, supplied optical equipment, made financial contributions and trained local medical personnel.
Fuji Optical Co. Ltd. is the private company that has been collaborating with the UNHCR for the longest time.
Doctor Kanai's family and staff are also involved in Fuji Optical Vision Aid missions. Around 70 company employees have taken part in humanitarian missions by spending their vacations working at refugee camps.
The prize of 100-thousand dollars to be used for a refugee project of the winner's choice will be presented officially by Norway and Switzerland at a ceremony at the beginning of October in Geneva, on the occasion of the annual meeting of ExCom, the Executive Committee of the UNHCR.
