Ehsanollah Bayat Receives Human Rights Award For Exceptional Humanitarian Contributions to Healthcare, Education, Human Rights, and Democracy From Afghanistan's Independent Human Rights Commission

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 15, 2014 /CNW/ -- In recognition of the 66^th anniversary of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Dr. Sima Samar, Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), presented Ehsanollah Bayat with its human rights award on 8 December 2014.  The award recognizes Mr. Bayat's significant humanitarian contributions to improving the quality of life for the youth, women, poor, and elderly of Afghanistan – particularly in rural areas – made by through the non-profit Bayat Foundation.

Upon learning of his selection, Mr. Ehsan Bayat remarked: "I am honored to have been chosen by AIHRC to receive this award during the 66^th anniversary of the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  This landmark global agreement reinforced the critical need to continue to strengthen equal opportunity for all people around the world, and it has been my privilege to participate in the development of a new and modern Afghanistan over the past thirteen years that understands and champions the need for universal human rights."

Mr. Bayat added, "All of my humanitarian and business efforts over the past thirteen years, whether through the Bayat Foundation, Afghan Wireless Communication Company, or Ariana Television and Radio, have focused on enabling all Afghans – regardless of location or language – to overcome the inequities that arose during our country's difficult decades in hopes that Afghan men, women, and children from all parts of our nation may unite, rebuild, strengthen, and move our nation forward.  We will continue to support human rights education in our country and assist with ongoing efforts to further protect and enshrine the rights of all Afghans.  Thus, it is my privilege to humbly accept AIHRC's recognition this year."

About Ariana Television and Radio Network

Founded by Mr. Ehsanollah Bayat in 2005, Ariana Television and Radio (ATN) are the largest private media channels in Afghanistan, covering 33 of 34 provinces and reaching over 25,000,000 Afghans.  ATN is also available via satellite to Dari and Pashto speaking viewers throughout Europe, Asia, Middle East, and North America. Focusing on information, content and entertainment, ATN programming places particular emphasis on education, health, children's programming, women's and world issues, and the ATN team takes great pride in broadcasting accurate, unbiased news to the audience as events occur.

ATN's goal since launch has been one of inclusion and education, providing a "Window for a Better Tomorrow".  With a broadcast complement of two national television and two national radio channels (ATN and ATN News), our goal is to expose our radio and television audiences to the best of international arts & culture from around the world, while also expanding opportunities for local writers, producers, actors, and directors within Afghan communities. Programs can be accessed via the ATN website, www.arianatelevision.com or via the HotBird and GlobeCast satellites.

About Afghan Wireless

Founded by Ehsanollah Bayat and headquartered in Kabul, Afghan Wireless (AWCC) – a joint venture between Telephone Systems International, Inc. (TSI) and the Ministry of Communications serves approximately 4,000,000 subscribers throughout Afghanistan.  Employing over 5,500 people directly and another 100,000 indirectly, Afghan Wireless is one of the largest employers in all of Afghanistan, and is a leader in delivering wireless and broadband communication solutions to residential and business customers.  Additional information is available at www.afghan-wireless.com.

About the Bayat Foundation

Since 2005, the Bayat Foundation, a 501 c(3) charitable organization, has promoted the well-being of the Afghan people. Founded and directed by Ehsan Bayat and Fatema Bayat, the Foundation has contributed to more than 200 projects dedicated to improving the quality of life for the youth, women, poor, and elderly of Afghanistan.  Projects have included the construction of new facilities and sustainable infrastructure in needy regions, and the promotion of health, education, economic, and cultural programs. For more information, please email [email protected].

CONTACT: Montgomery Simus, [email protected]  [phone]

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SOURCE Bayat Foundation