The Front Line Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk

The Front Line Award is presented annually to one human rights defender who has made an outstanding contribution to the defense of the human rights of others despite the risk to themselves. The short list of nominees is drawn up by the jury which is made up of members of the Irish and European parliaments and the winner is announced at a ceremony organised by Front Line in Dublin.

In addition to giving publicity to the work of the winner Front Line also hopes that the publicity will act as an additional form of protection in the future and that the programme of high level political meetings will enable the winner to build up a network of useful contacts for future advocacy.

The winner of the 2010 Front Line Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk is Dr Soraya Rahim Sobhrang of Afghanistan who is a commissioner of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission with particular responsibility for human rights.

As Commissioner for Women's Rights at the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), Dr Soraya Rahim Sobhrang is responsible for the monitoring, protection and promotion of women's rights throughout Afghanistan.

Dr. Sobhrang, like many prominent women human rights defenders in Afghanistan, has faced constant harassment, defamation and death threats since taking up her post. Women human rights defenders in Afghanistan have been regularly threatened and some have been killed.

The predominant culture of inequality and misogyny is still widespread. Despite the dangers she faces Dr Sobhrang continues her courageous struggle to defend the rights of women in Afghanistan.  

“ Despite the clear commitments made in the new Afghan constitution to uphold and protect the rights of women – as the security situation has deteriorated -  so has respect for women's rights also deteriorated ”, said Mary Lawlor, Executive Director of Front Line.