Focus Asia Foundation (FAF) has nominated Mama Qadeer Baloch, Vice Chief of Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), in the men’s category, and Nargis Baloch (Houran) in the women’s category for the prestigious 2025 Nelson Mandela Prize.
This United Nations award honors individuals dedicated to promoting human rights, social justice, and peace. For over 15 years, Mama Qadeer and Nargis Baloch have tirelessly campaigned against enforced disappearances and human rights abuses. Their unwavering efforts have not only amplified the voices of families of enforced disappeared persons but also brought international attention to this urgent issue. Mama Qadeer and VBMP have confirmed the nomination.
In his routine statement on Wednesday, Mama Qadeer Baloch remarked that Balochistan continues to suffer under severe oppression, with the situation deteriorating further. He highlighted a rise in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during February, while accusing the media of concealing facts and promoting the state’s false narratives.
Mama Qadeer shared these concerns while addressing delegations visiting the VBMP hunger strike camp, which marked its 5758th day on Wednesday.
VBMP remains committed to its demand for the recovery of missing persons. Political and social activists from Khuzdar, including Ameer Bakhsh Baloch, Allah Bakhsh Baloch, Elahi Bakhsh, and others, visited the camp to express solidarity with the families of the disappeared.
