Sigma Huda wins 'Pope John Paul II Wellspring of Freedom Award'

Sigma Huda has been awarded 'Pope John Paul II Wellspring of Freedom Award' for dedicating her life to upholding human rights and combating injustice, said a press release.
The Institute on Religion and Public Policy, based in Washington DC, announced on August 13 that Sigma Huda has been named the recipient of the institute's highest honour for 2007.
Her commitment to the protection and promotion of the fundamental rights of individuals around the globe has contributed immeasurably to the cause of peace and dialogue in the world, the press release added.
"Sigma Huda is a living testament to upholding human rights and combating injustice," stated Institute President Joseph K Grieboski.
"Sigma's current deplorable conditions and situation speak to her dedication to rule of law, and upholding the rights of the individual against illegitimate and exploitative regimes. No one is more deserving of this honour."
Sigma Huda serves as UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons. She is the founder and current president of Bangladesh Women Lawyers Association (BNWLA) and founder and secretary of Institute for Law and Development (ILD).
Sigma Huda's unceasing work defending human rights earned her enemies within the military-backed interim government and Sigma was arrested on July 5 on charges of alleged extortion, the press release said, adding that she was hospitalised for potentially life-threatening heart and kidney conditions but was taken from her hospital and imprisoned without access to competent medical treatment.