Sima Samar

Sima Samar, born on February third, nineteen fifty-seven, is a distinguished politician, physician, and human rights defender. Her career is marked by a profound commitment to advocating for human rights, particularly in the context of women's rights in Afghanistan and beyond.

From December two thousand one to two thousand three, she served as the Vice President of Afghanistan in the interim government led by Hamid Karzai, where she also held the position of Minister for Women's Affairs. Her leadership during this critical period was instrumental in addressing the challenges faced by women in a post-Taliban Afghanistan.

In addition to her governmental roles, Sima Samar has been a prominent figure in international human rights advocacy. She was the Chairperson of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) and served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Sudan from two thousand five to two thousand nine.

Her unwavering dedication to human rights earned her the Right Livelihood Award in two thousand twelve, recognizing her courageous efforts in promoting the rights of women in one of the world's most complex and perilous regions.