Ahmedabad, May 16: A CITY-BASED human rights activist will be conferred France’s highest civilian decoration, the Legion d’Honneur (Legion of Honour) later this month.

Father Cedric Prakash, Director of PRASHANT, the Jesuit Centre for Human Rights, Justice and Peace based in Ahmedabad, received a message informing him of the honour from French Ambassador to India Dominique Girard on Monday.

‘‘I’m not sure if I deserve such high recognition,’’ said Father Prakash, of the honour initiated by Naplean Bonaparte for persons who distinguish themselves through civilian valour.

‘‘I feel honoured that the French government has recognised the large-scale human rights violation in the state,’’ said Father Prakash, who testified before the US commission for International Religious Freedom in Washington on the 2002 riots.

The award will be conferred on him at a function organised by the French Embassy this month.