Living and Speaking Truth to Power

UUSC and human rights defenders from around the world join us in honoring Salih Mahmoud Osman as this year's recipient of the highest award given by Human Rights Watch.

As a member of the Fur ethnic group, Salih has been an important voice for the people of Darfur, and he represents the hopes and dreams of all of the people of Sudan, regardless of their ethnicity.

Salih is also a distinguished lawyer who, for more than twenty years and at great personal risk, has defended and represented the people of Darfur who have been arbitrarily detained and tortured by the Sudanese government. His deep respect for the rule of law has not prevented him from being abused.

In 2004 and without being charged with a crime, Salih was arrested and detained for seven months by the Sudanese government. With unflinching courage and certitude, he went on a hunger strike and was finally released.

In the summer of 2006, Salih visited the United States, where he helped inspire and educate a new generation of activists who are now leaders in the Save Darfur movement. Salih also visited UUSC's offices and, with his quiet but steadfast integrity, thanked and encouraged all of us to remain in solidarity with the people of Darfur.

Thanks to Salih and many other brave people living under genocide, UUSC's Civil Liberties Program has developed a partnership with the Sudanese Organization Against Torture, a group Salih has worked with since 2003.