Ai Weiwei, Joan Baez honoured by Amnesty

Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei and US folk singer Joan Baez have been honoured with Amnesty International's Ambassador of Conscience award.

Ai Weiwei next to his sculpture Forever, outside the Gherkin building in London, which is part of the Sculpture in the City 2015 series of public artworks.. Picture date: Wednesday September 16, 2015. Photo credit should read: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire Source: AAP

Amnesty International has awarded its top honour to Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei and US folk singer Joan Baez.

Ai said in an interview on Tuesday the Ambassador of Conscience award was a reminder of his social responsibilities as an artist, especially as the Chinese government tightens its grip on free expression.

He noted that the repression was affecting "ordinary people around us concerned about basic issues" while answering a question about five women's rights activists who remain in detention for planning anti-harassment protests.

Baez was cited for civil rights activism in the US dating back 50 years.

Previous award winners include Myanmar dissident Aung San Suu Kyi and Irish rock band U2.