Poland honours AGHS Legal Aid Cell for promoting human rights

Islamabad : The AGHS Legal Aid Cell, Pakistan's first women-led law firm established by the late Asma Jahangir, was awarded the Polish Prize of Sergio Vieira de Mello during a ceremony hosted by Polish Ambassador Maciej Pisarski here.

The prize, which celebrates the legacy of human rights advocate Sergio Vieira de Mello, was presented to the cell for its remarkable work in providing legal aid to the underprivileged, especially women and children, in Pakistan, according to the Polish envoy.

He said that the Polish Prize of Sergio Vieira de Mello recognised individuals and organisations that had made outstanding contributions to the protection and promotion of human rights and the peaceful coexistence and interaction among societies, religions and cultures.

"The AGHS Legal Aid Cell has received the Polish Prize in recognition of its outstanding, free 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. This is what makes a huge difference in the life of those who need protection and who have very little means to afford one. The AGHS Legal Aid Cell in itself is a great example of women empowerment, since most of its members are women. This is what distinguishes it from many other accomplished Pakistani NGOs," he said.

The ambassador said that the AGHS Legal Aid Cell continued the legacy of Asma Jahangir, providing vital services to the vulnerable, and its work was an inspiration to human rights defenders worldwide.

"People of AGHS remind us about it every day. Through their dedication, steadfast hope and practical effort, they demonstrate that something can be done even if in the face of adverse odds. This is what the legacy of Sergio de Mello, the legacy of Asma Jahagir are all about. And, this is what the Polish Prize endeavours to promote," he said.

She highlighted the challenges AGHS Legal Aid Cell faces in its pursuit of justice, including the legal battles for the rights of domestic workers, women subjected to violence, and those wrongfully accused under blasphemy laws.