Human Rights Award Given to Manus Detainee

Abdul Aziz Muhamat tried to seek asylum in Australia after fleeing the Sudan. He never made it there. Instead, he spent years detained in one of Australia’s off-shore detention facilities on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea.

Aziz was no ordinary detainee. Utilizing the messaging app WhatsApp, Aziz reported on the conditions he faced at Manus Island. His reports became an award-winning podcast, The Messenger.

Though his outreach, Aziz has been a voice for those seeking asylum, the conditions they face, and their quest for safety.

In February, Aziz was honored with the 2019 Marin Ennals Award for human rights defenders. Here is his acceptance speech:

-KitJ