Lawyer Sam Sasan Shoamanesh has been presented with the 2024 International Bar Association (IBA) Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights for his extraordinary dedication to defending human rights and cultivating the international Rule of Law for over two decades, particularly during his work at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
On receipt of the Award, Mr Shoamanesh commented: 'I am sincerely grateful to the IBA for this prestigious honour. I am truly humbled and accept this honour as recognition not merely of my personal achievements, it is always, a collective effort, but rather of the importance of the genuine pursuit and promise of international criminal justice for a more just world - a notion so vividly in need of cultivation in our times. I'd like to also accept this award on behalf of the broader human rights movement, that is deeply rooted in the selfless contribution of so many unsung heroes - a movement that remains ever crucial to the betterment of the human condition. We must be sincere and consistent in our support and application of international criminal justice - no matter the situation, who, or how powerful the perpetrator - joined in the universal truth that every human life matters and deserves protection under the law. Our collective civilisation deserves better. Our common future demands more decency, courage and integrity in the affairs of war, peace and justice. I'm indebted to the IBA leadership for its support and vote of confidence.' Read Mr Shoamanesh's full speech here.
In June 2021, Mr Shoamanesh completed a historic term as ICC Prosecutor's Chef de Cabinet. During this term, he played an instrumental role in assisting and advising the Prosecutor manage a highly complex mandate and overseeing the Office of the Prosecutor's management, operations and diplomatic engagements (including before major international bodies such as the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly) and delivering its core mandate of investigating and prosecuting violations of international criminal law. This period saw the expansion of the Court's work to encompass over 14 investigations and active preliminary examinations in conflict and post-conflict situations across the globe, including in highly challenging situations such as the Israeli-Palestine conflict, Afghanistan, Georgia, Myanmar-Bangladesh, Ukraine and The Philippines, among others. In addition, during his term, the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor drove major reforms and enhancements in the breadth and scope of its activities and adopted pioneering policy papers, including on subjects like sexual and gender-based crimes, crimes against children, protection of cultural heritage and situation-closing strategies.
Mr Shoamanesh's body of work helped the Office advance its mandate at critical juncture in the evolution of the Court while facing unprecedented challenges, and to strengthen the credibility and legitimacy of the organisation.
Each year, the IBA presents an award, sponsored by LexisNexis, to an outstanding lawyer in the world of human rights law. The award is bestowed upon a legal practitioner who is deemed to have made a remarkable contribution to the promotion, protection and advancement of the human rights of any group of people, particularly with respect to their right to live in a fair and just society under the rule of law.
This year's award was announced by Myra Garrett, Chair of the Section on Public and Professional Interest (SPPI), and presented by Wajiha Ahmed and Shirley Pouget, Co-Chairs of the IBA Human Rights Law Committee, on Thursday 19 September during the SPPI Awards Breakfast at the 2024 IBA Annual Conference being held in Mexico City, Mexico.
Mr Shoamanesh also co-founded The Institute for 21st Century Questions (21CQ), a leading non-partisan, vision and strategy think tank that aims to analyse and help provide real-life solutions to some of the major questions of this new century, from fostering greater support for international criminal justice to, among others, the creation of a new, inclusive security framework for the Middle East. 21CQ also publishes Global Brief, one of the world's leading international affairs magazines, of which he has been the intrepid managing editor since its launch in 2009.
The judging panel praised the excellent calibre of applicants and gave an explanation of why it had chosen Mr Shoamanesh as the 2024 winner of the IBA Award for Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights: 'The judging committee wishes to commend the impressive candidates received this year for the Human Rights Award. The judges also decided to warmly commend Mr George Newhouse (Australia) for his leadership, especially in relation to the advancement of the human rights of Australia's First Nations' People.
'We are privileged to announce that Sam Sasan Shoamanesh has been awarded the highly esteemed award in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the advancement and protection of human rights worldwide. Sam has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice, equality and the defence of fundamental human rights throughout his career. As a dedicated advocate, he has worked tirelessly to address some of the most pressing human rights issues of our time, including advocating for marginalised communities, combating discrimination, and promoting international justice.
'His efforts have not only led to significant legal and policy changes but have also inspired countless individuals and organisations to join the fight for human dignity and justice. This award serves as a testament to his outstanding leadership, courage, and passion for human rights.
'We congratulate Sam Sasan Shoamanesh on this well-deserved honour and look forward to witnessing his continued impact on the global human rights landscape.'
