The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy has presented its 2021 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award to Afghan lawyer and women’s rights activist Humaira Rasuli.
In a pre-recorded message played at the award presentation ceremony Friday, President Tsai Ing-wen praised Rasuli’s work for Afghan women.
Tsai said that Rasuli has been at the forefront of the Afghan women’s rights movement for 20 years. She said that even now, amid instability in Afghanistan, Rasuli has persevered, continuing to push for reforms and founding the Women for Justice Organization.
Tsai said that Rasuli continues to propose human rights and women’s rights laws, and continues fighting for respect and justice on behalf women who have been victims of violence. Tsai said she believes Rasuli’s selection as the winner of the award will bring hope to the persecuted, and will stimulate the push for women’s rights in Asia, particularly in the areas of stopping gender-based discrimination and violence.
Tsai said that the road to democracy and human rights is never an easy one. She said that Taiwan has also experienced authoritarianism and understands the need to deepen hard-won democracy.
She said she wants to use the occasion of International Human Rights Day, which falls on Friday, to say that democracy and freedom are the way of life for Taiwan’s people. She said that Taiwan will stick to these values, and that Taiwan has the determination and the ability to play a role in promoting freedom and democracy around the world.