The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) received the Kim Bok-dong Award during a ceremony held today, 4 June 2026, in recognition of its longstanding work in documenting human rights violations and pursuing justice and accountability for Palestinian victims. The ceremony took place in the National Assembly Members’ Office in Seoul, South Korea.

During the ceremony, PCHR’s Director, Raji Sourani, delivered a statement expressing the Centre’s deep gratitude and appreciation to Hope of Kim Bokdong and The Project Committee of Centennial Commemoration of Kim Bok-dong for selecting PCHR as the recipient of this meaningful award.

Sourani stated that PCHR is truly honored to receive an award carrying the name and legacy of Kim Bok-dong, a survivor of sexual slavery and a prominent human rights defender that campaigned against sexual slavery and war rape.

Sourani emphasized that this recognition comes at a critical and painful moment for the Palestinian people, as the genocide in Gaza approaches its third year and Israeli violations continue to escalate across the occupied Palestinian territory, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The award recognizes PCHR’s ongoing work in documenting and exposing grave violations committed against Palestinians, including torture and sexual violence committed against Palestinian detainees in Israeli detention.

In his remarks, Sourani dedicated this recognition to PCHR colleagues and all human rights defenders who have paid a heavy price for their commitment to truth and justice, including three PCHR colleagues killed along with their families during the ongoing genocide: Dana Yaghi, Nour Abo Noor, and Ehab Faisal.

Despite the destruction of its offices, the killing of our staff, the targeting of civil society, and the sanctions and restrictions imposed on human rights organizations, PCHR reaffirmed its commitment to continue documenting violations, advocating for victims, speaking truth to power, and pursuing accountability before national, regional, and international mechanisms.

PCHR expresses its deep gratitude to Hope of Kim Bokdong, The Project Committee of Centennial Commemoration of Kim Bok-dong, Korean civil society, and all those standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people.