European group names 11 Afghan women for human rights award

The Sakharov Prize was awarded for the first time in 1988 to Nelson Mandela and Anatoli Marchenko…reports Asian Lite News

The Socialists and Democrats Group on Monday nominated eleven Afghan women for the 2021 Sakharov Prize in the European Parliament.

This prize is the highest honour by the European Union to human rights defenders who are also the victims of human rights abuses.

These Afghan women are both human rights defenders and have been victims of human rights abuses. The nominated women are activists, politicians, journalists and teachers who have been fighting for women’s rights, and were themselves part of the political and associative life in Afghanistan before the Taliban takeover of Kabul, The Socialists and Democrats Group informed in a tweet.

“Today we presented our nominees for the 2021 #SakharovPrize: A collective of 11 prominent Afghan Women who have been bravely fighting for equality and full enjoyment of human and fundamental rights in Afghanistan,” the tweet said.

“By nominating them, we are sending a message to the international community: We must defend the rights and freedoms of women and the whole population of Afghanistan,” the European group said in a series of tweets.

The Sakharov Prize was awarded for the first time in 1988 to Nelson Mandela and Anatoli Marchenko.

The Sakharov Prize for ‘Freedom of Thought’ is the highest tribute paid by the European Union to human rights work.

It gives recognition to individuals, groups and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to protecting freedom of thought. Through the prize and its associated network the EU assists laureates, who are supported and empowered in their efforts to defend their causes.

These women have been nominated for the prize to send a message to the international community that the world should defend the rights and freedoms Afghans at stake after the Taliban’s takeover, The Socialists and Democrats Group informed. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Afghan women stage protest in Kabul against Taliban policies

READ MORE-Veiled Afghan Women Stage Pro-Taliban Rally in Kabul