On October 24, 2023, at the Supreme Court of Cassation, Rondine Cittadella della Pace was awarded the De Sanctis Prize for Human Rights in the presence of the First President Margherita Cassano, the President of the De Sanctis Foundation, Francesco De Sanctis, and the President of the De Sanctis Prize, Gianni Letta.
The Human Rights Prize was established following the tenth anniversary of the Essay Prize, marking the year in which the De Sanctis Foundation decided to expand its scope to other disciplines, including social health, economic sciences, Europe, and, notably, human rights, in collaboration with the Supreme Court of Cassation. The aim of the De Sanctis Prize for Human Rights is to recognize those agents committed to ensuring human rights— the inalienable rights of every individual within a community.
In 2021, Rondine was granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This status legitimizes NGOs as actors of “international utility” and grants them registration in the UN’s official roster. As a result, NGOs with this status gain access to ECOSOC documentation and meetings, as well as those of its numerous subsidiary bodies and programs. More importantly, it integrates participatory democracy processes, recognizing their consultative role in decision-making.
In 2020, Rondine was among the winners of the national “Nonviolence” award. The scientific committee of the Municipality of Sansepolcro, together with the association “Culture of Peace,” decided to honor Rondine for its long-standing experience in conflict resolution through mutual understanding between individuals who have experienced or are experiencing conflict, as well as for its deep commitment to respecting diversity.
Since 2019, Rondine has been a member of the Alliance for Peacebuilding (AfP), a network of over 110 organizations operating in 153 countries to end wars, reduce violence, and build sustainable peace. The network includes some of the world’s largest development organizations, the most innovative academic institutions, and the most influential humanitarian and faith-based groups.
In 2015, Rondine was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Marina Sereni, then Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies. The nomination’s rationale was announced during the presentation of the 2014 Annual Report at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome:
“Rondine offers new generations a unique experience of dialogue. It has always been able to engage with institutions, governments, and world leaders while continuing to work from the grassroots, bringing the voice of the people to those who can truly change history. Rondine’s investment in young people yields far-reaching and lasting impact.”