On October 16, Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) and our colleague Robina Aryubwal were awarded PEN Canada’s prestigious Marie-Ange Garrigue Award. This recognition celebrates our work to relocate and resettle over 500 at-risk Afghan journalists and their families following the Taliban’s return to power.
When the crisis unfolded, JHR mobilized to evacuate hundreds of families, with Robina working relentlessly by our side, ensuring the process was compassionate and that families received critical support at any hour, day or night. Her commitment was a pillar of hope for so many as they left behind everything familiar in pursuit of safety.
The award ceremony, attended by JHR’s President Rachel Pulfer, Executive Director Bill Killorn, Domestic Programs Director Jordan MacInnis, Finance Director Nabin Pokharel, and Program Manager Sooma Aslami, was not only a proud moment but also a tribute to the Afghan journalists and their families whose courage and resilience fueled this entire mission. The ceremony took place just as the final two individuals JHR helped evacuate arrived in Canada – touching down at 1:30 am on that very day, a reminder of the journey from fear to freedom.
At the ceremony, Jordan MacInnis shared heartfelt words:
“We would like to acknowledge the families who allowed us to work with them over the last three years and to reiterate that this was a project of mutual collaboration and effort. Whether they were forced to, decided to, or had no other choice but to, leave, it is their abilities and commitment that we wish to honour tonight.”
Robina Aryubwal’s speech resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. Reflecting on her journey, she said,
“Together with Rachel and Jordan, we worked tirelessly to help journalists, human rights defenders, and their families. I collaborated directly with Rachel, and then I spent more than two years working alongside Jordan. That experience will stay with me forever.”
She continued, “Every life we helped save felt like a small victory in a world full of fear. This award is a reminder of those victories. It’s not just for me—it’s for every person who has shown bravery in the face of danger, every family forced to flee, and every girl who still dreams of a better future despite the challenges she faces.”
For Robina, this work was personal.
“I’ve been where they are. I know their fear, their pain, and their hope, because I have lived it. This work meant so much to me, not just because we saved lives, but because we gave people hope. We show them they are not alone.”
JHR thanks PEN Canada for this honour and extend our deepest gratitude to every Afghan journalist and family who trusted us with their journey to safety.
Check out more photos from the award ceremony below. All photographs by Gary Beechey (BDS Studios)
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