2022 Outstanding Peace Activist

Aminatou Haidar is a prominent figure in the ongoing nonviolent resistance movement in Western Sahara, advocating for human rights. Haidar serves as the president of ISACOM, the Sahrawi Instance Against Moroccan Occupation. Widely known as “the Sahrawi Gandhi,” she previously served as the president of the Collective of Sahrawi Human Rights Defenders (CODESA) until 2020. Born in 1966, Haidar lives in El Aaiún, Western Sahara, and holds a baccalaureate degree in modern literature. In 1994, she became active in the Committee of Victims of Forced Disappearance and Arbitrary Detention in the Sahara, as well as in committees for detained and missing Sahrawis. Her nonviolent resistance activities are deeply rooted in the broader democratic independence movement.

Haidar’s early nonviolent resistance within the territory primarily focused on human rights. Despite continued disappearances, killings, beatings, and torture, she has persisted in advocating for nonviolent action. Additionally, she has raised international awareness, championing the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and emerging as the most visible international spokesperson for Western Sahara’s freedom.

Her efforts have garnered widespread international recognition. In 2008, she received the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award. Haidar is also the recipient of the 2006 Juan María Bandrés Human Rights Award in Spain, the 2007 Silver Rose Award in Austria, and the Santa Lucia Prize in Italy. She has been a multiple nominee for the Sakharov Prize and the Nobel Peace Prize. In late 2009, she was awarded the Civil Courage Prize by the Train Foundation in New York.

https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/profile/aminatou-haidar