Human Rights Watch Honors Recent Noble Peace Prize Winner and Leading Egyptian Activist

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Human Rights Watch Honors Recent Noble Peace Prize Winner and Leading Egyptian Activist

 Human Rights Watch Annual Voices for Justice Dinner on November 8

What: The Human Rights Watch Chicago Committee honors individuals who have put their safety and lives at risk in order to defend human rights. On November 8, two advocates will receive the Alison Des Forges Award for Extraordinary Activism, HRW’s highest achievement at the annual Voices for Justice dinner:

·         Liu Xiaobo, who recently received the Nobel Peace Prize, is being recognized for his incredible advocacy work for free assembly and expression rights in China. 

·         Hossam Bahgat has made exceptional sacrifices in the defense of the personal freedoms of all Egyptians and is founder and director of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR).

This event serves to not only recognize their remarkable work, but also to shed light on the continuing human rights abuses that are taking place throughout the world. 

When: Monday, November 8, 2010 (6:00 – 9:00 p.m.)

Who: Hossam Bahgat, one of the award recipients, will be in attendance.  Due to Liu Xiaobo’s current imprisonment, a friend and fellow human rights advocate from China will serve as his representative.  Ken Roth, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch and Jim Hoge, current Human Rights Watch Chairman of the Board and former publisher of the Chicago Sun-Times, will also be present.

The Human Rights Watch Chicago Committee is sponsoring the Voices for Justice Dinner.  Founded by Susan Manilow, Judy Gaynor and Jonathan Fanton in 2004, the Committee is part of a global network of regional support committees composed of opinion leaders from a variety of backgrounds. The Committee is currently chaired by Margaret Duncan of McDermott Will & Emery and Carolyn Grisko of Carolyn Grisko & Associates.

Where: The reception begins at 6:00 pm, followed by dinner at 7:00 pm, at the Swissôtel (323 E. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60601). 

To register for the event and for more information about the work of Human Rights Watch, please visit: www.hrw.org/chicago. There will be photo opportunities throughout the event, and an HRW representative will be available for interviews as well.

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About Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. By focusing international attention where human rights are violated, we give voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors accountable for their crimes. Our rigorous, objective investigations and strategic, targeted advocacy build intense pressure for change and raise the cost of human rights abuse.