The “Mercedes Alonso” Award was established by a Resolution of the First Council of the PAHO/WHO Staff Association in Lima, Peru in 1980. The first and probably the only prize of this kind – recognizes staff members who have rendered their service to the causes of the staff. The prize itself is in recognition of Ms. Mercedes Alonso's years of dedication to the legal defense of the staff, the formation of the Association's Legal Defense Fund and specially, for gaining access to the ILO Administrative Tribunal.

The award – by the staff, for the staff and of the staff - is also named after Ms. Alonso, a long-time colleague, because she defended the right of association provided under the staff regulations and rules, during years when those regulations and rules were generally ignored by AMRO Administrations. Reflecting the principles for which she stood, the award is essentially made up of a plaque bearing a gavel and the scales of justice.

GUIDELINES

1. The candidate must be a member of the Association.
2. When proposing a candidate, the Local Organizations must state through a brief personal review a statement and justification of the contribution the candidate has made to the Association, as well as to the principles of Freedom of Association.
3. The candidate must have made a substantial contribution, however, the candidate need not to be an officer of the Association.
4. The candidate must be proposed by a Local Organization or by the Executive Committee, where there is no Local Organization. Presentation of candidates should be made prior to the annual Council's meeting. Recommendations for posthumous awards are also accepted.
5. At its first session of the annual meeting, the Council will appoint an Award Committee, which will make the selection and announce to the Council, the results.
6. The award shall be declared vacant, only if there are no candidates nominated. In case that there are two or more candidates that meet all the requirements and the Award Committee can not reach a decision, the Council can make the decision or in its place, grant the award to such candidates.
7. The Executive Committee shall convey the prize to the winner.

Rev. 9/99

LIST OF MEMBERS THAT HAVE WON THE MERCEDES ALONSO AWARD