The renowned Iranian human rights lawyer and women’s rights activist Shadi Sadr has been awarded the International Women of Courage Award 2010. In light of the critical situation for human rights defenders in Iran since the disputed presidential elections in June 2009, Shadi Sadr dedicates her Women of Courage Award to Shiva Nazar Ahari, and has decided not to travel to Washington D.C on Wednesday 10 March to receive the award from U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Shiva Nazar Ahari is a dedicated women’s rights activist, and founder of the highly influential student Committee of Human Rights Reporters (CHRR) in Iran. Shadi Sadr campaigned for Shiva’s release before her own imprisonment and subsequent exile. Shiva is currently being held at Evin prison in Tehran. She has been imprisoned or seven months and is subjected to very harsh treatment by Iranian authorities.
By dedicating her award to Shiva Nazar Ahari, Ms. Sadr wants to draw the world’s attention to the plight of all imprisoned Iranian human right activists in the hope that they are not forgotten. In a recorded message that was to be broadcast at the awards ceremony in Washington, Shadi Sadr states that, “As Shiva is not with us and cannot attend this award ceremony, I will also refrain from attending in the hope that my absence will turn the attention of the international community to her dire situation, and help to free her along with other human rights activists and journalists in Iranian prisons.” But the U.S. Department of State has decided not to broadcast Shadi Sadr’s message during the ceremony.
The annual International Women of Courage Award is awarded by the U.S. Secretary of State to women around the world who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating women’s rights and advancements. This award not only recognizes their efforts, but also gives the awardees a public platform to further voice their demands and publicize their efforts to advance human rights.

Source: WLUML Networkers

کلیدواژه ها: International Women of Courage Award, Shadi Sadr, Shiva Nazar Ahari |  Print | نشر مطلب