Matiullah Wesa, an Afghan advocate for girls’ education and the right to learning, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Freedom Prize. The award medal was presented to him during a special ceremony held in Cannes, France.
According to the organizers, Wesa was honored in recognition of his unwavering commitment to advancing the right to education, promoting girls’ access to schooling, and ensuring educational opportunities for all children.
The Freedom Prize is awarded annually by young people from around the world to an individual, organization, or movement that has made a significant contribution to the promotion of freedom, human rights, and fundamental human values.
Following the award ceremony, Wesa underscored the importance of education, stating that the right to learn must never be denied to any child, particularly girls.
Wesa is among the co-founders of the Pen Path organization, which works to advance girls’ education, raise public awareness, and promote human rights. The organization implements a range of initiatives aimed at expanding access to educational opportunities across Afghanistan.
In recent years, Wesa has attracted considerable attention from international organizations and human rights advocates for his steadfast support of girls’ education. He was detained by the Taliban for 215 days, yet following his release, he continued to champion the right to education and remained actively engaged in his civic and advocacy efforts.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
