The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award

Man to Man the world o'er, Shall brothers be for a' that

This famous phrase sums up all that is best about Burns, and indeed, Scotland: our tolerance, friendship and humanity.

And the simple sentiment and beautiful words are the inspiration for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award.

The award has been presented annually since 2002 and recognises the efforts of those who have put humanitarian concerns above all others. The winner receives 1759 guineas, a sum which signifies the year of the bard's birth and the coinage then in circulation, as well as a specially commissioned hand-made award.

 

Jonathan Kaplan – winner of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2008

One man, a hospital surgeon, a flying doctor, a ship’s medical officer, a battlefield surgeon, a doctor in crisis-hit countries, a contributor to documentary films and a celebrated author – and surprisingly he has not yet been recognised with a humanitarian award…until now.  Humanitarian aid surgeon Jonathan Kaplan was presented with the prestigious Robert Burns Humanitarian Award at a special award ceremony in Ayr last night (Saturday 17 May).

Jonathan grew up in South Africa and studied medicine in the University of Cape Town. After serving his internship in hospitals that provided medical care to the country’s black population, he went into exile to avoid serving in the South African Army under the apartheid regime. Since then he has worked around the world as a doctor in developing countries and crisis areas, sometimes for international medical organisations or where a clinical need became apparent. He has worked in places as diverse as Angola, Burma, Baghdad, Kurdistan, Lesotho, Namibia, Brazil, America, Mozambique, England, Eritrea and as a ship’s surgeon in the South China Sea. He has written awareness raising features, worked on documentary films about conflict, health and environmental issues, and written two compelling books based on his experiences.

Presenting Jonathan with the award during the Burns Festival in Ayr, Sir Tom McKillop, Chair of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award judging panel said: "As the world witnesses yet more tragic crises in China and Burma, humanitarian health professionals, such as Jonathan Kaplan and organisations such as Médicins San Frontières continue to play an invaluable role in providing medical care. They perform amazing selfless acts without a second thought, saving lives that may otherwise have been lost, while raising international awareness of potential humanitarian disasters. There is no doubt that this truly captures the enduring spirit of Burns; his connection with people's cares and desire for a better life. We are honoured to present this award to Jonathan and delighted that he is dedicating this to those that have inspired him."

On receiving the award, Jonathan said: "I'm absolutely overwhelmed to have won the 2008 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award and I'm thrilled to be receiving it in the home of Scotland's national poet and one of the great humanitarian advocates, Robert Burns.

"I have practiced medicine in many fields; as a hospital surgeon, a flying doctor, a ship's medical officer and, at its most extreme, as a physician and surgeon in humanitarian crises and war zones. In those circumstances all one can do is the best one can in the war against death and despair. I have worked alongside people of great generosity of spirit and been inspired by many from within and beyond the practice of medicine. I accept this accolade on their behalf, in the hope that it might inspire others to apply their efforts and skills to saving lives."

Jonathan was one of three individuals short listed for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award, which reflects the humanitarian values of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Film-star and UNICEF ambassador Ewan McGregor, and founder of the Ozanam Clubs for disabled young people James Lynch, were also short listed for their outstanding work.

"This was one of the most difficult selections we have had to make to date as we received so many outstanding nominations for individuals and charities from around the world,” said Sir Tom McKillop”.

“James Lynch, Ewan McGregor and Jonathan Kaplan are all very deserving of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award for their outstanding commitment to improving the lives of others. We hope their efforts will continue to be recognised and inspire others all over the world to save, improve or enrich the lives of others.”

Scotsman, James Lynch, who was inspired to set up the charity when he realised his children with Down’s syndrome had nowhere to socialise said: "You can’t beat the rewards you get from improving the lives of others. It is a real joy to see the entertainment the children and young people get through our Ozanam Clubs, and to be recognised for this work through the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award is a real bonus."

James’ son Desmond is currently serving with the forces overseas and is coming back to Scotland especially for the award ceremony - the whole family plan to celebrate James’ great achievement with a Mediterranean cruise.

Representing Ewan at the award ceremony were his parents James and Carol McGregor. They said: “We are very proud of the contribution Ewan has made to the humanitarian causes he supports. And we are delighted that the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award has recognised him for the work that he has done to support UNICEF and CHAS in giving children and young people all over the world opportunities and hope.”

The winner was announced at a special award ceremony in Ayr, the birthplace of Robert Burns on 17 May, kicking off the 2008 burns an’ a’ that! Festival (www.burnsfestival.com). The judging panel included author and UNICEF ambassador Andrew O’Hagan, TV broadcaster Muriel Gray, President of the Robert Burns World Federation John Haining and the Burns Festival Chairman, Graham Peterkin.

The Award is presented by EventScotland, the national events agency. The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award Ceremony is the opening event of the 2008 burns an’ a’ that! Festival in Ayr which is funded by VisitScotland, South Ayrshire Council and Scottish Enterprise.

Previous Winners

Whether it is someone who has dedicted their life to helping others or charity workers either from abroad or closer to home there is no doubt that there are many worthy candidates for the Award. Last years' winner sums up perfectly what the award is all about. Adi Roche was awarded the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2007, for her efforts in helping the people affected by the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

click here to find out more about Adi and previous winners of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award.