Commissioner for Human Rights

4 March in Katowice prof. Irena Lipowicz presented with decoration of the Honorary Medal of the Human Rights Defender “For Merit To Human Rights Protection” dr. Jolanta Wadowska-Król, a doctor, who in the period of 1973-1981 saved the hundreds of children of Katowice-Szopienic from becoming sick or death by lead poisoning. The research conducted by her casts a shadow on the image of the People's Republic of Poland (PRL), which is why the then authorities decided that she should abandon providing further information about the sickness. She decided, though, that health of her patients is more important than scientific degrees and devoted herself to further rescuing children, which ultimately closed the way to the career for her.
Presenting the Medal, prof. Lipowicz stressed that steadfast attitude, courage and actions undertaken by dr. Wadowska-Król deserve the highest recognition.
The ceremony was attended by, among others, the representatives of the Governor of Silesia, local government, universities and medical society.
The Honorary Medal of the Human Rights Defender “For Merit To Human Rights Protection” was established on 2 November 2009. It is an honourable distinction for special achievements in advocacy of human rights. It may be presented to the citizens of the Republic of Poland, citizens of foreign countries as well as to organizations and institutions. Its laureates include Władysław Bartoszewski, Jerzy Owsiak, the Polish Humanitarian Organisation, Caritas Polska and Memorial Society.

Author of the pictures: Sebastian Świerczyński