He is known to the Uyghurs, Falun Gong practitioners, and other oppressed minorities in China for his battle against the regime’s human rights violations and courageous investigations into brutal organ harvesting.

David Matas, a Canadian lawyer and human rights defender, has become the first to be awarded the Global Humanitarian Leader of the Year award by the human rights group Canadians in Support of Refugees in Dire Need (CSRDN).

The CSRDN works with the Canadian government to bring relief internationally and provide an opportunity for a new life to those in desperate need. This award is given to individuals or organizations for distinguished contributions in promoting the values of integrity, equality, and respect for international law.