Human rights
The Stockholm Human Rights Award is given to an individual, and/or organisation, for outstanding contributions to human rights and the rule of law.
Last year’s recipients were David Miliband and the humanitarian aid body the International Rescue Committee (IRC) that he heads.
The Award will be presented to Ms Jilani on Monday, 30 November, at the Swedish Bar Association, in Stockholm.
An interview with IBA executive director Dr Ellis will follow. The event will be livestreamed.
IBA president Horacio Bernardes Neto said: “I can think of no more deserving recipient of this award than Hina Jilani.
“She has dedicated her life to the protection of the vulnerable through her commitment to human rights and the rule of law. She has worked tirelessly and in situations of great adversity to uphold democracy, to challenge injustice and to defend the defenceless.
“Her ceaseless endeavours have made both Pakistan and the wider world a better, safer and more just place.’
Critic
Hani Jilani grew up in Pakistan. Her father was a politician and an outspoken critic of the country’s military dictatorship, who spent much of her childhood in prison, which sparked her commitment to challenging social norms and promoting human rights and democracy in Pakistan.
She said: “I always had this feeling that if you see injustice, you have to speak out against it; otherwise you are not in a position to complain.”
In 1980, Ms Jilani founded Pakistan’s first all-female law firm, providing legal aid to women.
The scope of her practice grew to include legal education, research and protection from exploitation.
Secretary-General of the Swedish Bar Association Mia Edwall Insulander commented: “To reach new places one cannot follow beaten paths, but diverting from the beaten paths is seldom easy – it takes great resilience and courage.
Systematic injustice
“Hina Jilani is a true pioneer and her battle against systematic injustice, standing up for the human rights of the most vulnerable in society; women, children and minorities is of utmost importance and an inspiration for all of us who believe in democracy, the rule of law and equal opportunities for all citizens of the world.”
In 1986, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan was established with Ms Jilani as one of its founding members.
In 1990, Ms Jilani co-founded Dastak, a shelter providing free legal counsel and support to women fleeing gender-based violence. It also raises awareness on issues such as domestic abuse, child marriages and ‘honour killings’.
Propaganda
Her work often makes her vulnerable to hostile propaganda, arrests, abuse and intimidation, but she continues to live and work in Lahore.
IBA Executive Director Dr Mark Ellis commented: “Hina Jilani’s extraordinary courage in speaking truth to power, tirelessly fighting injustice wherever it occurs and giving a voice to the most marginalised groups in society, including women, children, minorities and prisoners, distinguishes her not only as a lawyer of great repute, but a human being of great fortitude and integrity.
“Ms Jilani’s accomplishments are numerous and ground-breaking, inspiring people beyond her native Pakistan. I am delighted that she has been selected as the 2020 awardee.”
In 2013, Ms Jilani joined The Elders, a UN group of independent global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela.
Advocate
Hina Jilani remains an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, having been appointed in 1992.
She also currently serves as President of the World Organisation against Torture, Co-Chair of the World Refugee Council and Co-Chair of the International Task Force on Justice.