Trinity College Dublin awards honorary doctorate degrees in recognition of human rights activism.
The honorary degrees were awarded to Rory O'Neill, Senator David Norris, Graça Machel, Fr Peter McVerry and Tomi Reichental for their work in human rights.
Recognised by Trinity College for campaigning on issues from marriage equality to women's rights to tackling homelessness.
At the conferring ceremony, Fr Peter McVerry describes his fight against homelessness as a lifetime endeavour. Another long time activist, Rory O'Neill, was awarded for his campaigning for same sex marriage. Fellow campaigner, and Trinity graduate and lecturer, David Norris was also recognised for his work on decriminalising homosexuality and paid tribute to the distinguished company of recipients. Nelson Mandela's widow, Graça Machel, was acknowledged for her work for women's rights and dedicated her degree to the millions of girls and women she has campaigned for. Holocaust survivor, Tomi Reichental, was honoured for his work raising awareness for the victims of Nazi atrocities.
The awards were presented by former President Mary Robinson.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 27 November 2015. The reporter is Sharon Gaffney.
