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The National Endowment for Democracy's 2005 Democracy Awards

On July 13, 2005 the National Endowment for Democracy presented its annual Democracy Award to three democratic activists from Afghanistan at a ceremony at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington DC. Mr. Mohammad Nasib, Ms. Sakena Yacoobi, and Mr. Sarwar Hussaini are leaders of civil society organizations who have worked diligently to educate citizens and local leaders about the basic values and principles of democracy, the rights of women and ethnic minorities, strategies for peace-building and conflict resolution and the importance of broad political participation. The event, which also included a panel discussion with regional experts, featured remarks from Global Affairs Under Secretary Paula Dobriansky, Afghan Ambassador Said Tayeb Jawad and Senators Hillary R. Clinton (D-NY); John McCain (R-AZ) and Paul Sarbanes (D-MD).

Mr. Mohammad Nasib is the managing director of the Welfare Association for Development of Afghanistan (WADAN), an Afghan NGO working to advance the spread of democratic principles and strengthen local governance by training a network of more than 1,000 Maliks, or key local power brokers, in the concepts and practices of human rights and democracy. "After you are afraid for 25 to 30 years, you adapt," Mr. Nasib said. "If you continue to be scared, the [enemies of democracy] are going to win."

"The decisive contribution to Afghanistan's rebirth must come from the people themselves, working through organizations of civil society devoted to the education and empowerment of all Afghans," stated NED President Carl Gershman in his tribute to the honorees. "Working with countless other Afghans committed to building a democratic and tolerant society, these three individuals have demonstrated unusual courage, determination and vision to the democratic rebirth of Afghanistan."

Before the awards were presented, regional experts, legislators and the honorees discussed challenges to democratic advances in Afghanistan.

"The Afghan election in October 2004 was an exciting moment for the whole world as we watched millions of Afghans bravely cast their ballots," said NED Chairman Vin Weber, "Now that the spotlight has shifted away, I hope that our Democracy Award will create renewed interest and concern for all those who are working so hard to deepen the democratic progress."

The three democracy activists met with President Bush in the Oval Office and were honored in a reception at the U.S. Congress. They also participated in a roundtable discussion with members of Congress on building democracy in Afghanistan.