Shakira honoured for humanitarian work

[MaryJane]

Colombian pop babe SHAKIRA was honoured for her humanitarian work by the United Nations (UN) in New York City on Monday (04APR06).

The UNDERNEATH YOUR CLOTHES singer, 29, joined fellow honoree, Czech supermodel KAROLINA KURKOVA to receive the accolades at the UN headquarters in Manhattan.

Shakira was celebrated for her tireless campaigning in her native Colombia, where she started a charitable foundation Barefoot to assist youngsters escape violence.

She said, "Let's not forget at the end of this day when we all go home, 960 children will have died in Latin America. As part of a generation that has so many ideas and technologies and things that my parents' generation didn't have access to. Let's take advantage of this historical opportunity we have within reach to make this world a better place."

However, other honorees ANGELINA JOLIE, QUEEN RANIA OF JORDAN and New York Senator HILLARY CLINTON were unable to attend, and sent representatives to collect the awards on their behalf.

contactmusic.com