Congratulation massage for Dr. Sima samar on her receiving the International Crisis Group “Stephen J Solarz” Award

Dear Colleagues,

I am very pleased and honored that on behalf of you I warmly congratulate Dr. Sima Samar, Chairperson of the AIHRC for having won “Stephen J Solarz Award” and I also congratulate the members of the AIHRC, Commission’s member staff and clients of the AIHRC, human rights activists and Afghanistan Civil Society on the receiving of this honorable prize by Dr. Samar. This prize was presented to Dr. Sima Samar on 16^th of December 2011 by the International Crisis Group (ICG) for her commitment to peace, justice and security, and to appreciate and recognize her effective and determining role in protection and promotion of human rights, especially women and children rights.

International Crisis Group is an important and prestigious international organization that works in more than 70 countries committed to ensure peace, justice and human rights.

“Stephen J Solarz Award” is conferred to individuals who have devoted themselves in fighting for   peace, justice and human rights values, prevention and conflict resolution in communities in crisis. Previously a number of political leaders and prominent human rights activists have been recognized the winner of this award worldwide. This year Afghanistan succeeded to win this award, and Dr. Sima Samar was recognized the recipient of this honor.

Appreciation of the valuable services rendered by Dr. Samar and recognition of her effective role in protection and promotion of human rights, and her unwavering struggle for justice and peace, is considered a deserving reward for her services in the eve of 10^th anniversary of the establishment of the AIHRC and a great pride for the civil society and human rights activists in the country. Receiving of this award by Dr. Sima Samar, in fact, implies a safeguard for the principle and values of human rights, peace and justice in the country, for the strengthening and institutionalization of which she has constantly tried.

After 10 years of inexhaustible attempt and struggle, the AIHRC and its partner institutions are still facing challenges in the area of protection and promotion of human rights. Continuation of war and insecurity lack of rule of law, weak public administrations, widespread corruption and incompetent justice and judicial system in the country are considered to be the obstacles and challenges on the way to promotion and protection of human rights in the country. Receiving of this award by Dr. Samar can be a great source of hope and motivation for human rights activists and civic values in the country triggering expansion of endeavors and activities toward protection and development of human rights and ensuring of justice and peace in Afghan society. 

Mohammad Musa Mahmoodi

Executive Director of the AIHRC