On November 3rd, 2014, the Government of Japan announced 57 foreign recipients of the 2014 Autumn Imperial Decorations. Among them, Ms. Sonia Picado, Chair of the Advisory Board on Human Security will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star. This honor is meant to express the deep respect and gratitude of the people and Government of Japan for Ms. Picado's work in the field of human security.
・Decoration: Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star
・Service: Contribution to mainstreaming the concept of human security
・Name (Age): Sonia Picado (77)
・Nationality: Costa Rica
・Major Titles: President, Advisory Board on Human Security
Former Commissioner, Human Security Commission
Former President, Inter-American Institute of Human Rights
The Advisory Board on Human Security (ABHS) was established in 2003 in order to carry forward the recommendations of the Commission on Human Security (CHS) and to advise the UN Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS). The ABHS is an independent body composed of various distinguished international experts known for the breadth of their knowledge and their deep commitment to human security. Ms. Picado has been a member of the Advisory Board since its establishment in 2003 and has been the Chair since 2010.
The CHS was established in 2001 on the initiative of the Government of Japan. It was Co-Chaired by Madam Sadako Ogata, former UN High Commissioner for Refugees and Mr. Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate and Master of Trinity College, Cambridge. Ms. Sonia Picado was also a Commissioner in the CHS. In 2003, after intensive studies, discussions and out-reach activities, the CHS submitted a report entitled "Human security - now" to then Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Kofi Annan.
