Sima Samar receives prestigious human rights accolade

The International Crisis Group has presented Dr Sima Samar, Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), with the Stephen J Solarz Award for Commitment to Peace, Justice and Security.

She was recognised by the leading non-governmental organisation for her life-long commitment to championing human rights and education in Afghanistan.

In a video produced for the presentation, Dr Samar said it was crucial that Afghan girls had access to education.

“The ones who have access to education, their life completely changes and they are the ones who can take better action in reconstruction of this country,” she said.

Dr Samar also spoke about the dangers that she has faced in standing up for fundamental human rights, including the rights of women and children.

“There are some powerful warlords that don’t like me. That wanted to kill me but they did not succeed,” she said. “And I’m still here and fighting for human rights and justice in the country.”

Three other women were honoured by the International Crisis Group during the presentation in New York on 16 December 2011:

• Sihem Bensedrine, Chief Editor, Radio Kalima, Tunisia
• Shukri Ismail, Chairperson, CandleLight, Somaliland
• Claudia Paz y Paz Bailey, Attorney General, Guatemala

Delivering the keynote address at the award ceremony, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the four recipients “inspire us with their courage and their commitment to pursue peace and justice in the face of enormous obstacles.”

“They also represent millions of women who deserve our support, because they ... challenge us to think more deeply about what making peace really requires.”

Mohammad Musa Mahmoodi, Executive Director of the AIHRC, said the award provided “a great source of hope and motivation for human rights activists” working for peace and justice in Afghanistan.

Date: 14 January 2012