2018 Alison Des Forges Award for Extraordinary Activism

Two courageous and tireless advocates for human rights have been selected as 2018 recipients of the prestigious Alison Des Forges Award for Extraordinary Activism, Human Rights Watch said today.
Ivan Pavlov is a human rights lawyer and activist in Russia, defending those in his country wrongly accused by security services of disclosing state secrets, high treason, and espionage. Pavlov has persevered against overwhelming odds, threats of violence, and government surveillance. Human Rights Watch honors Ivan Pavlov for his unwavering commitment to defending those facing state persecution in Russia, protecting the rule of law, and tirelessly advocating for transparent government and respect for citizens’ fundamental rights.
Hala Al-Dosari is a Saudi human rights activist, scholar, and prominent blogger known for speaking out against the country’s deeply entrenched discrimination against women and girls. Al-Dosari pushes her government to address gender equality and the right of activists, including women, to speak, protest, and write freely. As one of the leading voices for gender reform, she serves as an inspiration to women in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Human Rights Watch honors Hala Al-Dosari for her tireless advocacy demanding equal rights for women and supporting women who face violence and discrimination.