**WASHINGTON** – Today, on Human Rights Day, **U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee**, welcomed the recipients of _the State Department’s Annual Human Rights Defender Award_. Hosting a roundtable discussion alongside Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Dafna Rand, Chair Cardin celebrated the honorees’ extraordinary courage and commitment to advancing human rights across the globe.
“The winners of the Human Rights Defender Award are the world’s frontline champions of freedom and justice,” **said Chair Cardin**. “From Burma to Bolivia, these heroes risk their lives every day to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, protect human dignity, and advocate for press freedom. Today, we honor their courage and resilience, which stand as a powerful reminder of the enduring fight for a freer and fairer world.”
Chair Cardin also condemned the wrongful detention of one of the awardees, who was unjustly imprisoned before he could travel to the United States to accept the honor.
"Rufat Safarov – a prominent human rights defender in Azerbaijan – should have been with us here today," **continued Chair Cardin**. "His wrongful detention by the Azeri regime on illegitimate charges is an affront to freedom and justice. Securing his immediate release remains a top priority, and the fight to reunite him with his loved ones will not stop until he is free."
**The 2024 award recipients include**:
* Mary Ann Abunda – Kuwait
* Amparo Carvajal – Bolivia
* Aida Dzhumanazarova – Kyrgyz Republic
* Mang Hre Lian – Burma
* Ebenezer Peegah – Ghana
* Juana Ruiz – Colombia
* Rufat Safarov – Azerbaijan (Detained)
* Thulani Maseko – Eswatini (Posthumous)
During the roundtable they discussed the proliferation of anti-NGO laws threatening the work of civil society worldwide. The human rights defenders expressed their appreciation for U.S. efforts to support their work, including accountability tools such as the Global Magnitsky sanctions, and urged the U.S. government to continue this critical support.
###