Zhulia Parsi, Afghan Protester Woman, Wins the Prestigious 2024 Martin Ennals Award

The Martin Ennals Foundation announced on Tuesday (19 November) that the two recipients will receive their award on Thursday in Geneva, Switzerland.

The award jury, consisting of ten international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, has named them as the winners for this year.

Hans Thoolen, the head of the jury, said: "We are very proud to honor these two exceptional winners. They have paid a great price for their commitment to justice and equality in Afghanistan and Tajikistan, and the global community must support their efforts rather than focusing on geopolitical interests in the region."

Zhulia Parsi was nominated for the award by the human rights organization "Freedom Now."

Andrea Prasow, Executive Director of "Freedom Now," expressed delight at Parsi’s win, saying: "This award is a recognition of Zhulia’s unwavering resolve and steadfast commitment to defending women's rights despite the Taliban's efforts to silence her. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles of all Afghan women against oppressors and the need for the global community to support their efforts to reclaim their rights."

The Martin Ennals Award was established in 1993 to honor Martin Ennals, the former Secretary-General of Amnesty International. Known as the "Nobel Prize for human rights," the award is presented annually to one of the most prominent human rights defenders.

After the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, Zhulia Parsi played a key role in women’s street protests in Kabul against the group. She was arrested along with her son in Kabul on the 27th of September last year and was released from prison on the 18 of December after approximately three months.