"On Human Rights Day, which falls on December 10th each year, the global community celebrates the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every individual. It was on this auspicious day in 2023 that Dr. Choman Hardi, an esteemed associate professor at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS), and the dedicated director of the Center for Gender and Development Studies (CGDS), received a prestigious accolade: the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law.
This esteemed award, bestowed annually by the governments of France and Germany, stands as a testament to Dr. Hardi's unwavering commitment to upholding human dignity, rights, and the rule of law, even amidst formidable challenges. Through her tireless advocacy and scholarly pursuits, Dr. Hardi has exemplified a steadfast dedication to advancing the principles of justice, equality, and fairness for all.
Dr. Hardi's recognition resonates globally, inspiring countless individuals to advocate for justice and equality. Her commitment to human rights serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to strive for a fairer world.
Dr Hardi's speech during the ceremony:
"First, I'd like to thank the German and French governments for the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and Rule of Law. This recognition not only supports our work on women’s rights but also serves as a fitting response to the symbolic violence we face on a daily basis and the hateful attacks we experienced a year ago. Those attempting to damage the reputation of women’s rights activists must now recognise that their efforts not only failed but, ironically, bolstered our resolve and solidarity. In a historic moment in March 2023, 33 organizations, groups, and media outlets joined forces to create the Equality Prize. I was honoured to be the inaugural recipient of the award. Today, I feel fortunate that representatives of some of these groups are among us.
Many times, when a woman faces violation or murder in this community, blame is unfairly directed at women’s rights activists and organisations, overlooking the perpetrator’s responsibility and the judiciary and government’s failure in protecting women. Currently, we are witnessing a regression in human rights in Kurdistan and Iraq. The hard-earned rights achieved over years of work by independent media, civil society, women’s rights organizations, and independent intellectuals, are under threat. In recent years, restrictions and surveillance on NGOs is on the verge of suffocating these organizations. This coupled with crackdowns on journalists, orchestrated attacks on minorities and activists and the government’s inadequate response to these assaults, not only our rights but our lives are also in danger.
A democratic government should refrain from imposing restrictions on civil society organizations, freedom of speech, and independent journalism. These organizations play a crucial role in addressing the voids left by the government and preventing radical groups from exploiting the gaps between the people and the government. A responsible government should use its security and police apparatus to protect all citizens, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, religion, or political views. Regrettably, what unfolds in Iraq and Kurdistan today contradicts the principles of safeguarding dignity, individual freedom, and pluralism that are fundamental to a thriving democracy.
International reports rank Iraq, including the Kurdistan region, as the tenth worst country in terms of corruption and freedom of journalism. Research conducted by human rights organizations highlights the challenging conditions of women’s lives. In 2023, the Kurdistan region witnessed another violation of basic rights, illustrated by delayed or missing salaries coupled with escalating taxation and inflation in the prices of goods and services. The data reveals political, economic, social, and gender-based violence.
Let me end by expressing my stance against all forms of violence, whether rooted in gender, politics, or religion. Violence erodes our human security and paves the way for social and political chaos. My appeal to the Iraqi and Kurdish governments is cantered on the importance of respecting people’s dignity and protecting their rights. These rights encompass access to job opportunities, the right to education, timely salaries, freedom of speech, an independent media, and the provision of services within a model of economic development that upholds social justice.
Once again, endless thanks to the German and French governments for the prize and for organising this ceremony."
