Former Afghan National Television journalist and women’s rights activist Khadija Amin has received the “Lives for Asylum” award at the 10th edition of the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid awards in Madrid.
The ceremony took place on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. According to the organisers, the award recognised Amin’s work defending refugee rights, supporting migrant women and raising awareness of the challenges they face.
The Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid presents the awards to individuals and organisations working to defend the right to asylum, support displaced people and improve their living conditions.
Before the collapse of Afghanistan’s republic, Amin worked as a journalist and news presenter for the country’s National Television. She left Afghanistan and sought asylum in Spain after the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.
After leaving Afghanistan, Amin continued her media and advocacy work, drawing attention to the circumstances of Afghan women and the difficulties faced by refugees, particularly Afghan women seeking protection and opportunities in host countries.
According to information published by the award organisers, Amin currently heads the Omid Azadi Association. The organisation works to support Afghan women and girls, including through efforts to create educational opportunities, promote economic empowerment and encourage entrepreneurship.
Her recognition comes as Afghan journalists and women’s rights activists who left the country following the Taliban’s return to power continue their work from abroad. For many, exile has shifted their work towards documenting restrictions in Afghanistan, advocating for rights and helping displaced communities navigate life in host countries.
The award acknowledges Amin’s efforts to support refugees and women’s rights. Its broader significance lies in the continued visibility of Afghan women activists working outside the country and the challenges they seek to address through journalism, advocacy and community initiatives.
