Zholya Parsi, an Afghan women’s rights advocate, and Manuchehr Kholiqnazarov, a Tajik lawyer imprisoned for his activism, will receive the 2024 Martin Ennals Award for their courageous efforts in fighting for human rights amidst oppressive regimes. Their awards will be conferred in Geneva on November 21, 2024, amidst ongoing concerns for their safety and ability to attend the ceremony.
In a powerful recognition of courage and resilience, the Martin Ennals Award honors Zholya Parsi, an Afghan women’s rights activist, and Manuchehr Kholiqnazarov, a jailed Tajik lawyer, for their relentless fight for human rights in oppressive environments. Parsi, marked by her fearless advocacy amidst the Taliban’s resurgence, leads the Spontaneous Movement of Afghan Women, rallying against policies that strip away women’s rights. Meanwhile, Kholiqnazarov’s efforts in Tajikistan reflect significant legal strides against repression, even as he serves a lengthy prison sentence for his activities. Their honors will be celebrated at a ceremony in Geneva on November 21, 2024, at a time when the world must not only witness but support their plight for justice.
The Martin Ennals Award, dubbed the ‘Nobel Prize for human rights,’ aims to draw international attention to human rights defenders operating under threat. With a high-profile jury including leaders from top global NGOs, it serves to celebrate those who face immense personal risk to uphold dignity and justice. The award also highlights the specific challenges faced in regions like Afghanistan and Tajikistan, where ongoing political turmoil often leads to human rights violations and the suppression of basic freedoms.
The upcoming Martin Ennals Award ceremony symbolizes a beacon of hope in the dark landscape of human rights challenges faced by activists like Zholya Parsi and Manuchehr Kholiqnazarov. Their stories, marked by sacrifice and unwavering determination, reflect the broader fight for civil rights in regions beleaguered by authoritarianism. As they are recognized for their profound impact, it underscores the imperative for global solidarity in support of human rights defenders everywhere.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
