In a ceremony being held in Berlin, Germany on Dec 1,Justice Project Pakistan's Executive Director Sarah Belal will be awarded the inaugural Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law.

The prize is being jointly awarded by the governments of France and Germany.

The award will go to global human rights activists who have fought for the proper observance of rule of law in their respective countries.

Belal is being recognised for “repeatedly [igniting] debates about the Pakistani justice system, both locally and internationally”.

“Through her many activities, Sarah Belal has become part of an international network of legal experts and investigators who advocate for victims of severe human rights violations.”

Belal founded the JPP in 2009 to defend the rights of the most vulnerable Pakistani prisoners facing the harshest punishments.

Sixteen human rights activists from all over the world will be awarded the prize this year.