Jean, along with U2`s Bono, was presented with Ripple of Hope Award at Chelsea Pier in New York City last night by The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.

The Haitian ambassador at large was honored for his work to strengthen and inspire change in his native country of Haiti through his Yéle Haiti organization.

`As champions of justice, Bono and Wyclef have brought the national spotlight to human rights violations, empowered local activists, and transformed the lives of millions of people living in poverty from Port-Au-Prince to Darfur,` said Kerry Kennedy, founder of the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights. `Their efforts evoke the spirit of my father and we are honored to recognize them.`

Jean also performed at the ceremony.  The award comes on the heels of several other human rights awards presented to the singer this year, including by ASCAP and BET in June, 2009.

Governor David Paterson, Governor Jon Corzine, Peter Gallagher, Matthew Modine, Adam Arkin, Joey Pantoliano, and Gloria Reuben were among the celebrities at the event last night.  There was also a special tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy, who served as a member of the RFK Board of Directors from 1968 until his passing this year.

The RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the human rights movement through innovative support to human rights defenders around the world. With an over forty-year track record of attaining concrete results on cutting-edge social justice issues, the RFK Center carries forward Robert F. Kennedy`s vision of a more just and peaceful world.