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For dignity, freedom and human rights: Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law 2022
Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law, © unknown
Today is Human Rights Day. On this day, Foreign Ministers Catherine Colonna and Annalena Baerbock are jointly awarding the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law 2022 to people who stand up for, defend and strengthen human rights.
Foreign Minister Baerbock said the following on this occasion:
That is why we are today honouring Jina Mahsa Amini and the people of Iran with the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law for their courageous engagement. With this prize, we are also honouring the work of 14 other activists committed to human rights and the rule of law around the world – in Syria, Belarus and the Sudan. Together with our French friends, we stand firm by the side of these courageous men and women.
Foreign Minister Colonna said the following in her tribute:
France and Germany are determined to continue to lend their support to the women and men of Iran in their righteous struggle. They can count on Annalena Baerbock’s and my support. And we will continue our commitment to ensure that the oppressors are held to account.
Since 2016, France and Germany have jointly honoured 15 individuals or organisations each year who have made outstanding contributions to the cause of human rights. The prizewinners are at the helm of non-governmental organisations; they are lawyers, journalists or activists who defend the inalienable rights of each and every human being. They stand up for those whose voices would often not be heard without their important work: women, survivors of sexual violence, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, detainees, children and migrant workers. They are committed to the cause of justice, political participation and unbiased reporting, often risking their own freedom, frequently even their lives, under the most difficult conditions. The prizewinners are selected jointly by the Foreign Offices of Germany and France.