ISLAMABAD: The AGHS Legal Aid Cell has been awarded the Sergio Vieira de Mello Polish Prize, at a ceremony held at the Embassy of Poland on Wednesday night.

Established by the Villa Decius institution in Krakow, Poland, this tribute recognised exceptional efforts in protecting human rights and fostering peaceful coexistence among societies, religions, and cultures.

The award, created in 2003 in memory of Sergio Vieira de Mello, a renowned UN diplomat and advocate for human rights, was supported by the Embassies of Brazil and Sweden, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Poland.

The ceremony was graced by the Brazilian Ambassador Olyntho Vieira, Swedish Ambassador Alex Berg von Linde, and UNHCR Deputy Representative Fumiko Kashiwa as well as the French envoy Nicolas Galey. The host, ambassador of Poland Maciej Pisarski, informed his guests that Sergio Vieira de Mello dedicated his life to championing freedom, intercultural dialogue, and human dignity, holding key roles such as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UN Envoy for Iraq.

“Tragically, he was killed in a 2003 bombing in Baghdad. His legacy continues to inspire global efforts in human rights advocacy,” he said.

He informed guests that AGHS, founded by the late human rights icon Asma Jahangir, was recognised for its unwavering commitment to serving the underprivileged, particularly women, through free legal aid. Predominantly led by women, AGHS was a beacon of empowerment, blending advocacy with practical solutions for vulnerable communities.

“AGHS Legal Aid Cell received the Prize in recognition of its outstanding, free of charge, service to the underprivileged, weak and vulnerable, among them especially women. This group of highly trained and dedicated layers skillfully combines rising-awareness activities, promotion of human rights with their practical application.

The prize also highlighted the universal value of AGHS’s work in addressing human rights challenges. Asma Jahangir’s legacy and Sergio Vieira de Mello’s vision underscored the fight for justice and dignity across borders. The ambassador of France Nicolas Galey acknowledged that in a world grappling with threats to democratic values, AGHS served as a reminder of the enduring importance of human rights advocacy.

In her remarks, Nida Aly who is Executive Director AGHS Legal Aid Cell informed her guests that the work at AGHS came with many challenges.

The celebration concluded with a call to support the Mashal Model School in Bari Imam, symbolising the shared commitment to education and equality.

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2024