Pakistani’s legal organization working for the right of the oppressed communities particularly women and minorities and providing them free legal assistance, the AGHS Legal Aid Cell— named after Pakistan’s iconic human rights (HR) champion Asma Jahangir (late)—has been awarded the distinguished Polish Sérgio Vieira de Mello Prize in recognition of its outstanding work in promoting human rights.
Polish ambassador MrMaciejPisarski along with his Brazilian counterpart MrOlyntho Vieira and French ambassador Mr Nicolas Galey presented the award to the Executive Director of the legal aid cell, MsNidaAly.
The award-giving ceremony that took place at the residence of the Polish ambassador was jointly hosted by the Villa Decius Association in Krakow, Poland and saw participation from the Ambassadors of Sweden, Spain, the EU, diplomats, a large number of the members of civil society, media and the HR activists.
The prize, established in 2003, commemorates Sérgio Vieira de Mello, the late Brazilian diplomat and UNHCR for HR, known for tireless efforts in fostering global peace. Tragically, he was killed in a bomb attack on the UN headquarters in Baghdad in 2003 where he was serving as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Iraq.
Ambassador Pisarski in his address commended the AGHS for its great work in the field of legal support and human rights in Pakistan. He emphasized its significance at a time when democratic values and human rights are increasingly under pressure worldwide. “AGHS’s commitment to human rights, combined with their hands-on approach to legal aid, makes a profound impact on the lives of those who cannot afford protection,” he said.
Brazilian ambassador Olyntho Vieira also spoke on the occasion remembering the great Brazilian diplomat on whose name the award was established and his contributions to establish peace in the world.
Besides being a fine diplomat, Sergio was also a humanitarian to the core, he said adding he had a perfect comprehension of the world we live. It is without exaggeration to say that Sergio was a peace builder as his many difficult missions may prove, a man who believed that dialogue among parts is the best way to peace, said the Brazilian envoy.
NidaAly in her acceptance speech expressed gratitude to the Polish ambassador for the prestigious award. “It is indeed an honour to receive an award dedicated in the name of Sérgio Vieira de Mello Prize and his contribution to HR and tolerance,” she said.
It is the first award and recognition of our relentless work since the demise of our founder Asma Jahangir, she said adding Asma was the biggest defender of human rights in Pakistan and put HR on the map of Pakistan.
“Till today AGHS remains a women lead organization with 82 percent women in leadership positions, we have a board of directors of 7 strong successful women,” she summed up.
The Sérgio Vieira de Mello Prize, supported by the embassies of Brazil and Sweden and the UNHCR office in Poland, honours those who work towards peaceful coexistence and the defense of human rights globally.
