Sean Penn recognized for humanitarian work in Haiti

U.S. actor Sean Penn was presented with an award yesterday due to his humanitarian work after the earthquake in January 2010 in Haiti.

The organizing committee of the 12th Summit of Nobel Prize winners, recognized him for his efforts to rebuild the Caribbean country.

In January, Mr. Penn received the title of itinerant ambassador for Haiti, granted by the government of this country.

 In January 2010 he created the J-P Haitian Relief Organization to support those displaced by the quake, which left over 300,000 dead and nearly two million homeless.

The foundation also joined the Pan American Health Organization in efforts to control cholera, a disease that killed more than 7,000 Haitians and infected 500 000.

As an activist, Penn has helped victims of Hurricane Katrina in the U.S.

He is also a defender for the rights of sexual minorities.