Corruption fighter, Afghan woman, rights group finalists for UBC integrity prize

VANCOUVER – An international human rights group, an Indian corruption fighter and a campaigner for Afghan women’s rights are the finalists for a $100,000 human-rights prize to be handed out by the University of British Columbia’s law school.

The Allard Prize for International Integrity is one of the largest awards in the world given out for efforts to combat corruption and promote human rights.

One of the three finalists announced today is the group Global Witness, which has worked to raise awareness about issues such as the blood diamond trade in Africa and conflicts in Sierra Leone and Cambodia.

The panel has also chosen Anna Hazare, who has dedicated 25 years of his life to combating corruption in India.

And the third finalist is Dr. Sima Samar, chairwoman of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission and a tireless campaigner for the rights of women in her war torn country.

The winner will be announced Sept. 25.