MAREYA BASHIR

“Human Rights Advocate” Award 

A courageous voice in the loudest silence: that is Maria Bashir. An intrepid pioneer, a champion of human rights, a revolutionary spirit who has managed to break the yoke of fear. Her exemplary audacity in serving as the first Attorney General in Afghanistan has little to do with personal triumph. Her work is today recognized as a powerful symbol of resilience and determination in a regime of terror, hatred, and oppression, in a country that has stifled the dignity and thoughts of its own children. It is there that Maria has challenged the system of fundamentalism, fighting against corruption and violence, advocating for the rights of women and victims. For the affirmation of a law that should not just be exercised and of a justice that should never constitute a privilege. Her tireless efforts have made the invisible visible, showing that truth can prevail even in the darkest of times, inspiring entire generations to resist, fight, and hope. Fully aware that sometimes disobedience can be the key to freedom.