The directors and programmers of the Human Rights Film Network have decided on the winner of the International Human Rights Film Award. The award was established by Amnesty International and Cinema for Peace last year. It honours a human rights defending organisation or activist portrayed in a recent feature or documentary film. The directors and programmers of the Human Rights Film Network decide on the winner of the award. The International Human Rights Film Award goes with a 5.000 Euro cash prize to projects of the awarded activist.

For her efforts for peace, women's rights and democracy in Afghanistan the jury has decided to award politician and activist Malalai Joya this year's International Human Rights Film Award.

Twenty-nine year old Joya was born in Afghanistan but grew up in refugee camps in Iran and Pakistan. She was the first Afghan woman ever to enter parliament. As an elected Member of Parliament from Farah province, she has publicly denounced the presence of what she considers "warlords" and "war criminals", former members of the Mujahideen that fought in the Soviet war in Afghanistan, in the parliament. In May 2007, Joya was suspended from parliament on the grounds that she had "insulted" fellow representatives in a television interview. Her suspension, which is currently being appealed, has generated protest internationally. Appeals for her reinstatement have been signed by high profile writers, artists and politicians.
Joya states that the government currently in power is not supporting nor facilitating the education or economic development of women, which keeps them in poverty and from fighting for their rights.

Malalai Joya was portrayed in the documentary ENEMIES OF HAPPINESS by Eva Mulvad.

The International Human Rights Film Award will be awarded to Malalai Joya at the Cinema for Peace awards gala night at the Berlin International Film Festival on Monday 11th of February 2008.

For more information go to www.cinemaforpeace.com.