Syrian-Lebanese Rouba Mhaissen (31) is awarded this year’s Rafto Prize for his fight for Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
“Nationally and internationally, Mhaissen is calling for increasing pressure for the forced return of Syrian refugees and insists that all people, not just those with citizenship, have the right to human rights protection and the opportunity to create their own lives,” the statement says.
Mhaissen is the founder of the Sawa for Development and Aid organisation, which works to improve the living situation of refugees in Lebanon, with a particular focus on children and women. The organisation provides health services, counseling and primary education. SDAID documents the refugees’ experiences and living conditions.
“The documentation work is very important in order to influence political processes and ensure knowledge-based decisions in both Lebanon and Syria, and in international forums,” the Rafto Foundation points out in a press release.
The award will be presented on November 3rd at The National Theatre (Den Nationale Scene) in Bergen.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
