Sima Samar, Renowned Human Rights Advocate, to Deliver Keynote Address at Fletcher’s Commencement Ceremony

The Fletcher School is pleased to announce that Dr. Sima Samar, a globally renowned advocate for human rights, will serve as this year's Commencement Ceremony keynote speaker on May 19th.

Dr. Samar's distinguished career of unwavering commitment to championing the rights of marginalized communities, with a particular focus on her homeland, Afghanistan, spans decades. Her appointment to the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement and the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Board on Mediation in 2019 underscores her significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts. Additionally, her tenure as Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission showcased her fearless advocacy for the rights of women and marginalized groups, often in perilous circumstances. Dr. Samar's numerous accolades, including a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, attest to the profound impact of her work.

Her journey from a medical practitioner to a powerful advocate for justice and equality is both inspiring and emblematic of the resilience of the human spirit. Her memoir, Outspoken: My Fight for Freedom and Human Rights in Afghanistan, co-authored with Canadian journalist Sally Armstrong, provides a poignant account of Afghanistan’s past and its present.

Currently, Dr. Samar serves as a fellow at The Fletcher School through the Scholars at Risk program, where she continues to enrich the community with her expertise and insights into pressing human rights issues.

Her unwavering dedication to human rights, despite facing adversity, serves as a guiding light for both the graduating class and the global community. As the Fletcher School community prepares to celebrate the accomplishments of its graduates, it is an honor to welcome Dr. Samar to share her invaluable insights and experiences.

For further details about the 2024 Commencement, please visit here.