The Scandinavian International Film Festival (SCIFF), held in Helsinki, Finland, from August 9-14 2019, presented its award of honor to Dr. Karim Abdian, the Executive Director of Ahwaz Human Rights Organization for his tireless and ongoing work for four decades as a human rights defender. Mr. Abdian’s advocacy on behalf of refuges, women, the rights of ethnic and religious minorities in Iran and the Middle East for the realization of their freedom, democracy, equality and social justice is a bright spot in the area of human rights advocacy.

A heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Abdian who well deserves this award. We also thank the jury and the management of SCIFF for their thoughtful selection.

We are confident that the presentation of this award in the presence of more than 150 personalities and film makers from different countries who participated in this festival further motivates him to defend the rights of his peoples, and other oppressed minorities in Iran.

Ahwaz Human Rights Organization

Ahwaz Studies Center

15 August 2019