2020 Freedom Award Goes to SPA and the Organization of the December Revolution Martyrs’ Families

On 16 September 2020, the Freedom House has awarded the 2020 Freedom Award to the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) and the Organization of the December Revolution Martyrs’ Families (ODRMF) for their work ushering a revolution in Sudan in 2019 that toppled former President Omar Al Bashir and his 30-year tyrant regime.

For their work ushering democratic change in Sudan, the 2020 Freedom Award goes to the Sudanese Professionals Association (@AssociationSd) and the Organization of the December Revolution Martyrs’ Families. #FreedomAwards

Watch NOW: https://t.co/qnLmWoaNhS pic.twitter.com/IekiWHmTvF

— Freedom House (@freedomhouse) September 16, 2020

Samahir Ali Othman Almubarak accepted the award on behalf of the SPA, and Dr Amira Babiker Ahmed Osman accepted the award on behalf of the ODRMF.

Held under the theme ‘The Power of Protest’, the Freedom House also presented a third award to Hong Kong’s 2019 pro-democracy movement. The organisation also presented its Raising Awareness Award to actress and human rights activist Nazanin Boniadi in recognition of her work on behalf of Iranian women, refugees and asylum seekers.

Our event recognizes that these diverse struggles—in Hong Kong and Sudan, as well as in Iran, Belarus, and the United States—are ultimately part of the same global effort. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. ⁦@freedomhouse⁩ https://t.co/a2c42Yj1gb

— Mike Abramowitz (@abramowitz) September 16, 2020

According to the Freedom House, the SPA, an independent organisation made up of doctors, pharmacists, engineers, lawyers, journalists, teachers and supporters, received the award for organising and leading the citizens of Sudan in peaceful protests demanding regime change in 2018 and throughout 2019. As a direct result of these protests, Al Bashir was removed from office in April 2019. Today, a transitional Sovereign Council comprising of military and civilian members rule the country, led by Prime Minister Abdulla Hamdok. The SPA remains to be an integral part of Sudan’s transitional government. 

On 3 June 2019, Sudan’s Armed Forces attacked peaceful protesters in a monthlong mass sit-in known as Al Qeyada, killing at least 100, injuring thousands and leaving many still missing. Created in response to the massacre, the ODRMF received the award for ensuring that justice for their loved ones is served. ‘The ODRMF coalition serves as a watchdog guarding the values of freedom, peace and justice, and guiding Sudan toward a successful transition to democracy,’ says the Freedom House.

‘All of us here at Freedom House are deeply moved by the courage and dedication of this year’s honourees in their work on behalf of freedom and democracy,” said Michael J Abramowitz, President of the Freedom House. ‘Tonight’s event is an opportunity to recognise that these diverse struggles—in Hong Kong and Sudan, as well as in Iran, Belarus, and the United States—are ultimately part of the same global effort. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and we all have a vital interest in the common cause of human freedom.’

2020 Freedom House Awards from Freedom House on Vimeo.

For more than 78 years, Freedom House has worked to defend fundamental freedoms and promote democracy around the world. They analyse the challenges to democracy, advocate for greater support of civil liberties and political rights, and support frontline activists to defend human rights and promote democratic change.

Since 1943, their annual Freedom Awards have recognised outstanding leaders who have championed freedom and democracy, including the 14th Dalai Lama; former Prime Minister of the UK, Sir Winston Churchill; American civil rights activist, Martin Luther King, Jr; Saudi women’s activist Hala Al Dosari; and many more.

For more information on the 2020 Freedom Awards, visit Freedom House’s website.