Dr. Sima Samar has been selected as this year's John Humphrey Freedom Award recipient for her efforts to strengthen the human rights of women and girls in Afghanistan and in refugee camps on the Northern border of Pakistan. She will accept the Award in Montreal on December 10, 2001, International Human Rights Day. As part of the Award's cross-Canada tour, Dr. Samar will visit Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, Calgary, Montreal, Fredericton, Ottawa, Toronto, and Guelph. A detailed itinerary is a vailable below.

In the face of threats to her own safety, Dr. Samar has defied the Taliban's edicts that deny women and girls their basic rights to education, employment, mobility and medical care. Since 1989, Dr. Samar has been operating schools for girls and health clinics in many of the provinces of Afghanistan as well as in the refugee camps in Quetta, Pakistan. She has shown an incredible commitment towards assisting Afghan women in their struggles to end their oppression and to provide them with access to healthcare and education services. She is a strong advocate for the involvement of Afghan women in government and the reconstruction of civil society in Afghanistan.

On International Human Rights Day, December 10^th, and meet Dr. Samar during the Award Ceremomy to be held at the Salle du Gesù, 1200 Bleury Street, Montreal.

Seating is limited. R.S.V.P.: Tel. (514) 283-6073, or E-mail: avbiljou@ichrdd.ca
Refreshments will be served.

Biographical Notes on Dr. Sima Samar

05 July 2001: News Release -- Dr. Sima Samar Winner the John Humphrey Freedom Award

28 November 2001: News Release -- Announcing Dr. Samar's Arrival in Canada

Dr. Samar will speak in cities across Canada. View the dates and venues here.

5 December 2001: News Release -- Dr. Sima Samar Named to Transition Cabinet in Afghanistan

Dr. Samar's acceptance speech delivered during the 2001 John Humphrey Freedom Award Ceremony, December 10th.

Announcement of the Award Ceremony and two interviews by the CBC. RealPlayer needed.

Dr. Samar's Shuhada Organization: Health Care and Education for Afghan Women and Children.
Description of activities -- How to Donate to Shuhada

Dr. Samar interviewed in Pakistan on 24 October by CBC Radio's David McLauchlin.
Click here for CBC links to the interview, along with a photo gallery.
Please scroll down to the link for the 24 October 2001 broadcast.

CNN's Nic Robertson interviewed Dr. Sima Samar in Quetta, Pakistan, October 1, 2001.

For general information on the John Humphrey Freedom Award, please see the dedicated section in our web site.

Canada's National Coalition in Support of Afghan Women
http://www.yorku.ca/iwrp/afghanistan

Canadians in Support of Afghan Women
Hopedale Mall, 1515 Rebecca Street
Oakville, ON L6L 5G8
Tel: (905) 825-3622
hrcc@cgocable.net

Edmontonians in Support of Afghan People
c/o 101, 10010-107 A
Edmonton T5H 4H8
(780) 423-9675
jgurnett@emcn.ab.ca

Voice of Women for Peace, Guelph
45 Dean Avenue
Guelph, ON N1G 1K6
Tel: (519) 837-2915
kbrookfi@sympatico.ca

Women for Women Afghanistan
Bankview PO Box 32014
Calgary, AB Canada T2T 5X6
(403) 244-5625
WebSite: www.w4wafghan.ca
ListServe: www.egroups.com/group/w4wafghan