By: Richard Chambers
The US actor Sean Penn has presented an international Human Rights Award to the Pakistani women’s group ‘Sawera’ at a ceremony in Dublin.
The 2014 Front Line Defenders award was accepted by Noorzia Afridi for her work improving the independence and rights of women in tribal parts of Pakistan.
Ms. Afridi has had her offices bombed, her house burnt down and her sister was shot dead on her way to work in 2012.
The award was presented at a ceremony in Dublin
This year’s winner was selected from 110 nominations from 51 countries.
The winner was selected by a jury of members of the Irish and European Parliaments, a representative of Front Line Defenders and a representative of international partner Al Jazeera Media Network.
Actor Sean Penn spoke at the ceremony
Also attending the ceremony is Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam, Director of Sudanese human rights organisation SUDO. He was the recipient of the inaugural Front Line Defenders Award in 2005.
Presenting the award today the actor and founder of the J/P Haitian Relief Organisation, Sean Penn, paid tribute to her work.
