ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Netherlands in Pakistan on Wednesday honoured the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) with the 2026 Human Rights Tulip Award, recognising its efforts to promote accountability and safeguard fundamental freedoms, the Dutch mission said.
The award was presented by Dutch Ambassador Robert Jan Siegert to Rabiya Javeri Agha, chairperson of the NCHR, whose leadership has been central to advancing human rights advocacy across Pakistan, the embassy said in a press release.
The ceremony, held in Islamabad, was attended by senior government officials, members of Parliament, civil society representatives and other dignitaries.
Ambassador Siegert said the NCHR had “demonstrated how institutions can make a difference by shining light where it is most needed,” reaffirming “a shared commitment to universal values and the belief that progress begins when courage meets compassion.”
Congratulations to the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) for winning the #HumanRightsTulip Award!
The award was presented to NCHR in recognition of its vital institutional role in promoting accountability and safeguarding fundamental freedoms. pic.twitter.com/WMzIsjv5ou
— NLinPakistan 🇳🇱 🇵🇰 (@NLinPakistan) February 11, 2026
In her remarks, Rabiya Javeri Agha dedicated the award to “every silenced voice, every unseen struggle, and every vulnerable soul who has dared to hope for justice,” and pledged to continue speaking for those denied justice.
The Human Rights Tulip is an annual award presented by the Dutch government to human rights defenders and organisations that advance and protect human rights in innovative and peaceful ways.
The award aims to increase visibility for their work and support further expansion of human rights efforts around the world.
Winners of past Human Rights Tulip awards have included international activists and organisations recognised for courageous work in challenging environments.
Ambassador @RJSiegert handed the award to @RabiyaJaveri Chairperson of NCHR, whose leadership has been instrumental in advancing the Commission’s mission and strengthening human rights advocacy across Pakistan.#HumanRightsTulip #NCHR #NLinPakistan
— NLinPakistan 🇳🇱 🇵🇰 (@NLinPakistan) February 11, 2026
The Dutch Ambassador for Human Rights, Wim Geerts, who is visiting Pakistan, also took part in the ceremony.
During his visit, he held meetings with government officials, civil society leaders and other stakeholders to discuss shared human rights priorities.
Geerts said he was “deeply impressed by the vibrancy and resilience of Pakistan’s civil society” and its “strong commitment to human dignity, justice and equal rights for all.”
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarrar welcomed the award and praised the NCHR’s leadership in achieving A Status accreditation from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), a recognition of compliance with international standards for national human rights institutions.
The Human Rights Tulip award highlights Pakistan’s engagement with international human rights norms and provides a platform for local institutions to gain global recognition.
