Hina Jilani, a pioneering Pakistani lawyer, champion of democracy, and passionate activist for civil rights, was awarded the Stockholm Human Rights Award 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the prize could not be awarded in 2020. Instead, the prize ceremony was held on December 6, 2021, with Hina Jilani joining remotely from Pakistan. The ceremony was livestreamed on the Bar Association's website.
Mia Edwall Insulander, the Secretary-General of the Bar Association, welcomed the participants at the prize ceremony and introduced Hina Jilani.
– Hina Jilani is a role model for all of us who believe in democracy. I have the utmost respect for her, as a lawyer, as a woman, and as a human being, said Mia Edwall Insulander.
The laureate then delivered an acceptance speech via Zoom. Hina Jilani expressed her particular honor because the award came from the legal society of which she herself is a part.
– I have had to fight my battles in various forums. At times, the battle has been fought on the streets, which can be risky. But I have always enjoyed fighting the battle in the courts, as a legal struggle, she said.
Hina Jilani also wanted to share the prize with the clients she has represented.
– The prize is not just for me but for all the people who have dared to stand up for their rights and allowed me to represent them, Hina Jilani said.
Finally, Hina Jilani had a Zoom conversation with Dr. Mark Ellis, director of the International Bar Association, who asked where Hina Jilani draws her strength to continue working for human rights and democracy.
– Noone living in an environment with oppression and suffering can turn a blind eye to it. As a lawyer, I felt I had no choice but to act, replied Hina Jilani, adding that her work began when she was young enough to have the energy and angry enough to dare to confront the conflicts.
Hina Jilani also highlighted the successes, especially in the women's rights movement, in Pakistan, which have also inspired the broader democracy movement. At the same time, she pointed out that the country has a long way to go to achieve democracy and respect for human rights.
– We must always be vigilant. The path forward is never straightforward, she said.
During the prize ceremony, music was performed by soprano Maja Frydén and mezzo-soprano Rebecca Fjällsby, accompanied by Karin Haglund on the piano.
About Hina Jilani
Hina Jilani grew up in Pakistan. Her father, a politician who openly criticized the country's military dictatorship, was imprisoned for much of Hina Jilani's childhood. Witnessing injustices and human rights abuses firsthand ignited a lifelong commitment in her to challenge norms and promote human rights and democracy in Pakistan and around the world.