The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) proudly celebrates Brito Fernando, President of our member organization Families of the Disappeared in Sri Lanka, for being awarded the Swedish Government's international prize for human rights and democracy.

Since the late 1980s, Brito has been a tireless champion for truth and justice in a country with one of the world's highest numbers of unresolved enforced disappearances. As the leader of FOD, which represents more than 20,000 families, he has courageously bridged divides between Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim communities to demand accountability for tens of thousands of victims.

Despite facing detention, arrests, and attacks on his home, Brito’s commitment to the marginalized has never wavered. As he reminds us, this honor belongs to the families who have fought for over 35 years without giving up.

AFAD stands in solidarity with Brito and FOD as they continue to demand that the government strengthen local mechanisms, conduct proper mass grave excavations, provide comprehensive reparations, and finally reveal the truth for the families of the disappeared.

Read more: https://www.levandehistoria.se/english/the-per-anger-prize/2026-brito-fernando