Netherlands’s Human Rights Award conferred on NCHR
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Pakistan on Tuesday announced its annual Human Rights Tulip Award 2025 for the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) in recognition of its vital institutional role in promoting accountability and safeguarding fundamental freedoms.
Ambassador Robert-Jan Siegert handed the prestigious award to Rabiya Javeri Agha, Chairperson of NCHR “whose leadership has been instrumental in advancing the Commission’s mission and strengthening human rights advocacy across Pakistan.” It was a well-attended event as one could see a galaxy of guests assuring their support and congratulating the NCHR Chairperson Ms Agha, Member (Minorities) Manzoor Masih and others.
Federal Minister for Law, Justice & Human Rights Azam Nazir Tarar was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Among the noted personalities in attendance were Minister of State for Law &Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Members of the National Assembly and the Senate of Pakistan, prominent HR voice in Pakistan Valerie Khan, The Dutch Ambassador for Human Rights, Wim Geerts, Senior Policy Officer of the Ministry of the Netherlands Foreign Affairs, Jeroen Verburg, Ambassadors of Poland, Sweden, Hungary, the European Union, senior diplomats, representatives of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and former recipient of the award including Asad Ali Toor.
Presenting the award, Ambassador Robert-Jan Siegert said, “The National Commission for Human Rights has demonstrated how institutions can make a difference by shining light where it is most needed. Through this award, we reaffirm our shared commitment to universal values and the belief that progress begins when courage meets compassion.”
Rabiya Javeri Agha, Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), expressing gratitude to the Dutch envoy and the government of the The Netherlands termed it a great moment and a big leap towards achieving the milestones like securing the legal help for the victims of fake blasphemy cases, bringing hope in the lives of the child workers and cheering up the lives of the victims of the forced marriages.
This award she said belongs to every silenced voice, every unseen struggle, and every vulnerable soul who has dared to hope for justice. I carry their stories with me, and I will continue to speak where they could not.”
The Dutch Ambassador for Human Rights, Wim Geerts, who is currently visiting Pakistan expressed his delight at recognizing the efforts of the NCHR and hoped Pakistan would make further progress by creating enabling environment for the disadvantaged and the less-privileged. During his stay in Pakistan, he met with the government authorities, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss shared human rights priorities.
“I am deeply impressed by the vibrancy and resilience of Pakistan’s civil society. In every conversation, I saw a strong commitment to human dignity, justice, and equal rights for all,” he said.
Islamabad Embassy Human Rights Tulip is an annual award to celebrate outstanding individuals or organizations in Pakistan. In the past years this award highlighted the brave work of journalists, lawyers and activists.
