KABUL— Zakia Khudadadi, Afghanistan’s para-taekwondo athlete and a member of the Refugee Olympic Team, has received the North-South Prize of the Council of Europe, one of Europe’s most prestigious human rights awards.
Khudadadi was honored during an official ceremony at the Portuguese Parliament on Wednesday, where she was presented with the award by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
In a message shared on Instagram, Khudadadi dedicated the recognition “to all refugees, the brave women of Afghanistan, and the athletes who strive every day to build a better future.”
“For me, this recognition is more than just a prize,” she said. “It symbolizes hope, resilience, and belief in dreams for everyone who faces great obstacles in life yet refuses to give up.”
The North-South Prize, established in 1995, is awarded each year to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to defending human rights, promoting democracy, and strengthening global solidarity between nations.
Alongside Khudadadi, the International Paralympic Committee and the Olympic Refugee Foundation were also recognized for their work supporting displaced athletes and fostering inclusion through sport.
Khudadadi drew international attention after fleeing her country just days before the Tokyo 2020 Games, a dangerous journey that led her to settle in France, where she has lived since.
At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Khudadadi made history when she won a bronze medal in Para taekwondo, marking the first time a member of the Refugee Paralympic Team has earned a medal.
The athlete says she uses her platform to advocate for refugees and promote empowerment through sports.
