His commitment in this effort is underscored by his more than 30 years of public service as a member of the US House of Representatives and Senate, where he has championed human rights in a number of capacities, including as serving as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and as a commissioner on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (US Helsinki Commission.)

Maksym Butkevych, a human rights activist and journalist, will receive the 2023 Anne Frank Special Recognition Award for his work in upholding human rights and fighting against wrongs such as xenophobia and racism. Butkevych, a volunteer member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, is a prisoner of war in the Russian occupied region of Luhansk, Ukraine. Butkevych’s father, Oleksandr Butkevych, will accept the award on his behalf.

Additionally, Ukrainian-American soprano and musician Teryn Kuzma will perform musical selections on the bandura in honor of Senator Cardin and Mr. Butkevych.

Co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on the Kingdom of the Netherlands Representatives Bill Huizenga (R, MI-4) and Derek Kilmer (D, WA-6) will provide opening and closing remarks, respectively. Senator Chris van Hollen (D-MD) will introduce Senator Cardin. Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova will introduce Maksym Butkyvch, and Dutch Ambassador Birgitta Tazelaar will provide remarks as well.

Media are kindly requested to RSVP to attend by sending an email to: Was-ppc@minbuza.nl by October 18.