Award for Courageous Afghan Human Rights Activist Zholia Parsi
GENEVA — Zholia Parsi, a distinguished advocate for women’s rights in Afghanistan, has been honored with the 2024 Martin Ennals Award for her unwavering dedication to promoting human rights in her homeland.
Recognition Alongside Fellow Activist
The Martin Ennals Foundation recently announced the award on its official platform, recognizing Parsi and Tajikistan’s Manuchehr Kholiqnazar for their extraordinary contributions to human rights. Both laureates will be celebrated at an official ceremony scheduled for November 21, 2024, in Geneva.
Unyielding Bravery in Turbulent Times
The foundation commended the remarkable courage demonstrated by this year’s awardees as they strive to uphold human rights in oppressive conditions. “Zholia Parsi from Afghanistan and Manuchehr Kholiqnazar from Tajikistan exemplify incredible determination and bravery in their fight for human rights amidst severe repression,” the announcement stated.
Global Support Essential
Hans Thoolen, chair of the Martin Ennals Award jury, underscored the global importance of their work. “We take pride in honoring these exceptional individuals who have sacrificed immensely for justice and equality in their countries. It is crucial for the international community to stand behind their efforts rather than merely focusing on geopolitical conflicts,” Thoolen emphasized.
A Voice for Women’s Rights
Zholia Parsi has emerged as a powerful advocate for women’s rights in Afghanistan, especially following the Taliban’s return to power. Losing her job due to Taliban-enforced restrictions and witnessing her daughters barred from education propelled her to speak out against policies that undermine women’s rights and freedoms.
Her courage led to her arrest by the Taliban in September 2023, where she endured nearly three months of detention before her release in December of the same year.
Manuchehr Kholiqnazar: A Stalwart Advocate
In parallel, Manuchehr Kholiqnazar, a human rights lawyer from the Badakhshan region of Tajikistan, has faced severe repercussions for his advocacy, including a controversial 16-year prison sentence resulting from an unjust trial attributed to his work in human rights.
A Prestigious Honor
The Martin Ennals Award is presented each year by a jury that includes prominent organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the International Federation for Human Rights. This award aims to recognize individuals who have made significant sacrifices in the pursuit of human rights on a global scale.
