Meet Jalila Haider, internationally renowned Pakistani human rights lawyer and activist. She was recently named a recipient of the 2026 Right Livelihood Award – a prestigious distinction widely known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize” – and is being recognized for her tireless and fearless fight on behalf of Pakistan's most vulnerable groups.

As the first female lawyer from the persecuted Hazara minority community, Jalila Haider has bravely challenged both ethnic discrimination and patriarchal structures. Through her law firm, she operates entirely pro bono and has taken on several legal cases to defend women, LGBTQ+ people and refugees. Her dedication and work have not only secured justice for individuals but have also helped expand freedom of movement for numerous human right defenders and political activists.