Ms. Mao Map was awarded the Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law 2024 on December 10, 2024. Executive Director of the Klahaan organization, recognized for its work in favour of women’s rights and gender equality, this Prize celebrates her tireless struggle to promote dignity, justice, and empowerment for women in Cambodia. The Prize was presented jointly by Mr. Jacques Pellet, French Ambassador to Cambodia, and Mr. Stefan Messerer, German Ambassador to Cambodia, at a ceremony held at the French Embassy.
Ms. Mao Map’s experience in the field and her contribution to collective actions in favor of human rights in Cambodia make her a resolute advocate of gender equality. Within the NGO ADHOC, of which she is now a member of the Governance Board, she has worked to combat gender-based violence by supporting access to justice and reintegration for survivors, as well as protecting migrant women. Today, as director of the Klahaan organization, she plays a central role as an intersectional feminist and ally of the LGBTQI community and women from indigenous communities. Through her actions, she helps to empower women in all their diversity and to raise awareness among the Cambodian public and decision-makers in order to find positive solutions to the remaining obstacles to equal rights.
“Through its feminist diplomacy, France is determined to advance equality between women and men and combat gender-based violence in all its forms. This Prize recognizes the work of Ms. Mao Map, who has devoted nearly 20 years to defending women’s rights and protecting the most vulnerable. It also recognizes the determination and dedication of Cambodian human rights defenders,” said Jacques Pellet, French Ambassador to Cambodia.
“The promotion and protection of human rights is one of the key pillars of German foreign policy worldwide. Hence, safeguarding the rule of law and fundamental freedoms are cornerstones of our international engagement. This year, we recognize Ms. Mao Map for her unwavering courage in defending these rights, especially in the service of indigenous and marginalized women,” declared Mr. Stefan Messerer, German Ambassador to Cambodia.
On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, every year since 2016, France and Germany pay tribute to personalities, human rights defenders, journalists, women, and men who are committed in an exemplary way to the protection and promotion of human rights around the world. Selected jointly by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 15 personalities around the world were honoured this year alongside Mao Map.
Through this Franco-German Prize for Human Rights and the Rule of Law, France and Germany salute civil society’s commitment to human dignity and inalienable human rights. Indeed, the protection, guarantee, and strengthening of human rights are indispensable conditions for freedom, justice, and peace in the world.
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