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.

In this seminar, Jalila Haider shares her experiences as a Hazara woman from Balochistan, Pakistan. She will discuss her work supporting women, religious and ethnic minorities, Afghan refugees, and other marginalized communities facing discrimination, violence, and injustice. Additionally, she will reflect on the growing challenges human rights defenders face globally in an era of rising authoritarianism, right-wing extremism, and shrinking civic space.

Jalila Haider notes: “Most importantly, I want to emphasize that vulnerability is not an inherent trait—it is created by political, social, and economic systems. Defending human rights is not just about protecting people from violence; it is about securing their freedom, dignity, equality, and right to live without fear.”