Human Rights Awards 2012
- Lifetime Achievement Award:
Baroness Jane Campbell of Surbiton – In recognition of a career dedicated to defending and upholding the rights of disabled people in the UK. She has fought hard to change attitudes towards disabled people, focusing on much-needed support as opposed to charity.
- Independent Voice of the Year:
Lord Pannick – For his vocal and forensic opposition to the Justice and Security Bill as a cross-bench peer in the House of Lords. Since becoming a peer, he has consistently held the Government to account on Rule of Law and human rights issues. The other nominees were Salma Yaqoob and The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt. Rev. James Jones.
- Human Rights Campaigner of the Year Award:
Open Rights Group and 38 Degrees – For their effective campaigning work to defend freedom of expression and civil liberties in the digital age which has, in a very short time, made a huge impact in the way social change is effected – particularly their online campaigns against the “Snoopers’ Charter”. The other nominees were Change.org and Blacklist Support Group.
- Lifetime Achievement Award:
Sir Nicolas Bratza – In recognition of fourteen years’ dedicated service as the UK judge of the European Court of Human Rights, culminating in his appointment as President of the Court in 2011. In addition to his judicial work, Sir Nicolas has also played a vital role in seeking to defend human rights and the Rule of Law from unjustified attack.
- Human Rights Arts Award, in association with Southbank Centre:
Jenny Sealey – For her tireless work with deaf and disabled artists. Her commitment to providing audiences and actors with a true theatrical experience culminated in her co-artistic direction of over 3,000 participants at the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games this year. The other nominees were Baaba Maal, Mark Cousins and Deborah Warner, Fiona Shaw and Artichoke.
- Human Rights “Close to Home” Award:
Aaron Sonson, Satwant Singh Kenth, Gregory Paczkowski – For providing important public information about individual rights and the potential abuse of police powers through their mobile app “Stop and Search”. The app itself has now had over 2,600 downloads and over 150 experiences uploaded. The other nominees were Ashley John-Baptiste and Mark Neary.
- Human Rights Lawyer of the Year:
Ben Cooper – For his committed and tireless work on some of the most complex and difficult extradition cases. Ben acted for Gary McKinnon throughout his fight against extradition to the US, finally achieving justice only last month. The other nominees were Raggi Kotak of One Pump Court and Michael Oswald at Bhatt Murphy.
- Human Rights Young Person of the Year:
Martha Payne – For defending free expression when she stood up to her local council after they banned her publishing pictures of schools meals on her blog, NeverSeconds. The council backed down after outcry and, since then, her website has been visited by over six million people and has raised more than £100,000 for charity Mary’s Meals. The other nominees were Scottish Youth Parliament and Eilidh Naismith and Billy Davidson.
- Human Rights “Long Walk” Award:
Hillsborough Family Support Group, Hillsborough Justice Campaign and Hope for Hillsborough – For their unwavering dedication to seeking justice for the 96 victims, their families and the survivors of the Hillsborough Disaster. The tireless campaigning efforts of these groups have finally led to the publication of the findings of the Hillsborough Independent Panel. The other nominees were the “Mau Mau” Litigants and Medical Justice.
Human Rights Awards 2011
- Lifetime Achievement Award:
John Hendy QC – In recognition of a career dedicated to defending and upholding the rights of workers and trade unionists in this country. His career at the bar and considerable additional advocacy demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to both individual justice and social action.
- Independent Voice of the Year:
Peter Oborne – For calling to account the most powerful in our country, especially in relation to the shameful history of complicity in torture during the ‘War on Terror’. He has been a consistent voice of reason and integrity in the face of constant misunderstanding, misinformation and misrepresentation surrounding human rights and the Human Rights Act.
- Human Rights Arts Award, in association with Southbank Centre:
Penny Woolcock - On the Streets – For her compassion and commitment to those living and surviving on the margins. Using her talents as a filmmaker to give a voice to ‘the voiceless’, Penny spent eight months on the streets of the capital befriending the homeless, giving them the opportunity to tell their own stories with dignity and humanity. The result is a brutal but moving window into the often complex underlying problems surrounding this issue.
- Human Rights “Close to Home” Award:
Janis Sharp– For her passionate and sustained campaign to protect her son, Gary McKinnon, from facing extradition to the USA. Janis Sharp’s campaign for fairness for her son has touched the hearts of parents everywhere and her determined call for Gary to be tried in the UK has brought the issue of Britain’s unjust extradition arrangements to the attention of politicians, the media and people around the world.
- Human Rights Lawyer of the Year:
Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholas Mercer – For integrity and courage in the face of dissembling and denial of human rights abuses by British forces in Iraq. As Commander Legal for British armed forces at the time of the invasion, he tried to ensure that they operated within the rule of law – in relation to the use of hooding, “stress positions” and other inhuman and degrading techniques in breach of the ECHR. Had he been listened to, precious lives, millions of pounds and Britain’s international reputation would have been far better protected.
- Human Rights Young Person of the Year:
Cerie Bullivant– For his inspirational and courageous personal campaign against the unjust control order regime and proposed Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Bill. Cerie Bullivant was on a control order for two years before it was quashed by the High Court. He has since campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the dangers of imposing punishment without trial.
- Human Rights “Long Walk” Award:
Private Eye – For keeping the powerful on their toes and the public informed and entertained. Satire plays an essential role in a democratic society and hypocrisy is the enemy of human rights. Private Eye has, for fifty years, held the mighty to account with wit and wisdom and reminded us all that a hard look in the mirror shows that there’s always room for improvement.
and
Tony Bunyan and Statewatch – For dedication to openness, democracy and informed debate about European institutions, keeping us reliably informed and suitably engaged for the last 20 years. Their network of independent volunteers has become one of the most respected and reliable sources of investigative journalism and critical research in the fields of the state, justice, home affairs and civil liberties in the European Union.
- Special Award
Norway – In honour of the victims of 22 July 2011 and all they held dear, we pay tribute to the compassion, dignity and humanity of the Norwegian people.
Human Rights Awards 2010
See our gallery of photos from the award ceremony at the Southbank Centre.
Human Rights ‘Long Walk’ Award
No2ID
For their tireless campaign to publicise the threat to liberty and
personal privacy posed by the introduction of ID cards – central to
bringing about a Bill to repeal the Identity Cards Act and to scrap
ID cards and the National Identity Register.
Human Rights Young Person of the Year Award
Young Legal Aid Lawyers
For their outstanding commitment to providing quality representation,
advice and access to justice for those who could otherwise not afford it,
despite the constant cuts and restrictions to legal aid work and the lack
of financial sponsorship or reward.
Human Rights Arts Award, in association with Southbank Centre
Nicolas Kent and Indhu Rubasingham & The Tricycle Theatre
For
their proud record of highlighting some of the most important human
rights issues of the day, including this year’s The Great Game focusing
on British intervention in Afghanistan.
With recent productions also
examining the de Menezes Inquest and Deepcut Barracks deaths, the
Tricycle Theatre is an inspirational example of how art with a social
conscience need not require creative compromise.
Karon Monaghan QC
For her leading contribution towards a range of cases in the fields of
equality, civil liberties,and human rights, including Eweida v. British
Airways, HJ and HT v. Secretary of State for the Home Department
and JM v. UK, and her continuing commitment to eradicate
discrimination, injustice and protect essential rights and freedoms.
Independent Voice of the Year
Rt Hon David Davis MP
For his steadfast commitment to the protection of fundamental rights
and freedoms in the fight against terrorism. In particular for his work
in holding the Government to account over allegations of collusion in
torture during the ‘war on terror’ and the part he played in securing a
public inquiry into the treatment of detainees abroad. Also for his
public, principled, and robust opposition to the unfair and ineffective
control order regime.
Human Rights ‘Close to Home’ Award
Sally Hyman
For her valiant campaign with Katie Miller, Bob Miller, Patricia Ross and
Tracy Hynes in support of a secondary school pupil facing forced
deportation to Iraq – bringing new and much-needed attention to the
shameful ordeal of child detention and bureaucratic nightmare of the
asylum system for the young and vulnerable.
Human Rights Campaign of the Year Award
The Guardian – The Torture Files
For Ian Cobain and Richard Norton-Taylor’s meticulous investigation into
Britain’s complicity in the use of torture. Their campaign shone a light on
this shameful chapter in British history and they continue to uncover
uncomfortable truths about the UK’s role in the ‘war on terror’ at home
and abroad.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Lord Bingham of Cornhill
Lord Bingham proved an inspiration to anyone – legal professional
or lay person – who holds dear their hard-won rights and freedoms
and believes that human rights are universal and non-negotiable.
Having held office as Master of the Rolls, Lord Chief Justice and
Senior Law Lord, he was Britain’s most distinguished legal mind.
Human Rights Awards 2009
Human Rights Lawyer of the Year Award
Dinah Rose QC - for her leading contribution towards a range of human rights cases - including that relating to the rendition and torture of Binyam Mohamed, which continues to bring to light the abuses being carried out in the name of 'the War on Terror'.
Also shortlisted were: Stephen Cragg and Martin Howe
Human Rights Award
Gurkha Justice Campaign - for the remarkable public campaign that led to retired British Army Gurkhas being accorded due respect and protection through the provision of settlement rights, education rights and health care in the UK.
Also shortlisted were: Football Supporters' Federation & Stoke City FC and the Aegis Trust & Redress
Peter Duffy Award*
Dan Carey - for his outstanding commitment to a number of vital human rights cases - including Al-Sweady, Evans, Al-Haq and the Baha Mousa Inquiry - which required unstinting endeavour and an incredible eye for detail.
* The Peter Duffy Award commemorates the life and achievements of one of the UK's most highly dedicated human rights lawyers. Peter Duffy QC was particularly supportive of younger lawyers, giving freely of his time and skills.
Human Rights Awards 2008
Human Rights Lawyer of the Year Award
Timothy Otty QC - for his remarkable work, often conducted on a pro bono basis, and in particular his work in support of those subject to the worst excesses of the 'war on terror', such as control orders and the detention of UK residents at Guantanamo Bay.
Human Rights Award
Corner House Research - for the knowledge, skill and energy shown in their dedicated work to help the disempowered of the world.
Peter Duffy Award
Ajanta Kaza - for her remarkable efforts to promote and protect human rights on a pro bono basis and in particular her exceptional work in support of freedom of expression.
Special Judges Award
Diane Abbott MP - for her passionate campaigning and brilliant advocacy on behalf of a range of human rights issues, most recently in opposition to proposals for 42 days pre-charge detention and in defence of women's right to abortion.
Human Rights Awards 2007
Human Rights Lawyer of the Year
Shaheed Fatima
For her remarkable work, often on a pro bono basis. For her brilliant analysis, consistent arguments and commitment in debating human rights cases before both the British and the European Courts.
The Peter Duffy Award
Maya Evans
For her campaigning work and commitment to the cause of liberty. For her courage in standing up for our fundamental rights to peaceful protest and freedom of speech.
The joint winners of the Human Rights Award were:
Kids Company
For their ground-breaking and inspirational work in helping this country’s most disadvantaged children and young people
INQUEST
For their high-quality specialist casework and for their commitment to providing incontrovertible evidence of the serious human rights abuses of children in custody.
Judges' Award 2007
Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC for a lifetime of achievement in the service of human rights.
Human Rights Awards 2006
Human Rights Lawyer of the Year
Rabinder Singh QC for his outstanding commitment to human rights. For his extraordinary intellect and advocacy of the rule of law.
The Human Rights Award
Southall Black Sisters for their commitment to defending women who face violence and abuse. For their work on drafting a Private member's Bill providing civil remedies for victims of forced marriage.
The Peter Duffy Award
Henrietta Hill for her pro bono work in defence of human rights and for her pivotal role in a number of cases. For having assisted different organisations with energy and invaluable commitment.
Human Rights Awards 2005
Human Rights Lawyer of the Year
Michael Fordham of Blackstone Chambers. The award was given in recognition of Michael's dedication and pro bono commitment to the development of human rights in a range of areas. These include opposing unjust ASBOs, defending the rights of protesters and highlighting UK accountability for torture and deaths in detention in Iraq.
The Human Rights Award
Refugee Legal Centre, for its consistent and fearless use of the law to protect human rights and hold immigration and asylum policies up to the scrutiny of the courts.
The Peter Duffy Award
Voice of Young People, a youth-led project, which has devised, directed and produced a thought-provoking documentary challenging negative perceptions of young people.
Human Rights Awards 2004
Human Rights Lawyer of the Year
Phil Shiner
For outstanding skill and tenacity in taking test cases to protect the rights of Iraqi civilians tortured and killed by British forces. For personal sacrifice and professional dedication in fighting for justice and individual rights.
Human Rights Award
Gypsy and Traveller Law Reform Coalition
For exceptional achievement in uniting Gypsies, Irish Travellers and New Travellers and providing a powerful voice to lobby for positive change and recognition of their human rights. For effective engagement of cross-party support for some of the most socially excluded groups in the UK.
The Peter Duffy Award
Carolina Gottardo
For tireless and dedicated management of the British Institute of Human Rights' Outreach Programme providing education and training to voluntary and community groups. For advancing human rights and ensuring that they benefit people with mental health problems, disabled people, refugees and disadvantaged older people.
Judges' Award
Gareth Pierce and Louise Christian
Civil liberty lawyers acting for detainees interned in Belmarsh prison and Guantanamo Bay were both honoured with the Judges Award for 'outstanding contribution in defending the rule of law'.
Human Rights Awards 2003
Human Rights Award
The Howard League for Penal Reform
For commitment to protecting and promoting the human rights of young offenders; through its Youth Justice Law Project, providing a legal advice and advocacy service, which in 2003 brought several test cases successfully challenging human rights violations of children in prison, the most recent judgment in November 2003 confirming that children in prison have a right to protection under the Children Act 1989
Human Rights Lawyer of the Year
Beatrice Mtetwa, Kantor & Immerman (Harare)
For acting for clients arrested by the Mugabe government in Zimbabwe, or those wishing to pursue a case against it; challenging the unlawful deportation of the Guardian Newspaper journalist, Andrew Meldrum; for her courage and commitment to human rights whilst working in an environment hostile to lawyers and the rule of law and her disregard of the risks to her personal safety
The Peter Duffy Award
Mark Daly, journalist
For extraordinary undercover journalism which publicly exposed the racism of trainee police officers and within the police service generally through his documentary The Secret Policeman, which resulted in the launch of a full-scale enquiry into all police services by the Commission for Racial Equality.
Human Rights Awards 2002
Human Rights Lawyer of the Year
Richard Meeran, Leigh Day & Co.
For his commitment to protection of workers' rights to decent working conditions and a safe environment, through ensuring access to justice for workers injured by UK multinational corporations abroad. This year alone his work has ensured that 7,500 South African miners receive compensation for suffering sustained while working for Cape. UK multinationals can now be held to account for injuries to workers and damage to the environment in developing countries.
The Peter Duffy Award
Monira Hussain, Inesons Solicitors
For outstanding personal and professional commitment to helping secure basic rights for Asian women, asylum seekers and young offenders. She has done extensive community and legal work and, through lobbying in Bangladesh, has highlighted the rights of women prisoners and those prevented from joining their families in the UK. She has worked to bring about positive change in the community since she was 15 - setting up an organisation for Asian women, working as a human rights and immigration adviser and now working as a trainee solicitor.
The Human Rights Award
Dr Stephen Whittle, Press for Change
For commitment and dedication to ensuring the advancement of rights for transsexual people in the UK, Europe and around the world through judicial means, most recently in the Court of Appeal Case of A v The Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police. An academic at Manchester Metropolitan University, he co-founded Press for Change in 1992.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Honourable Mrs Justice Cox QC
The award recognises her commitment to the protection of equality and human rights - in particular her achievements in securing rights for transsexual people, notably through the case of Goodwin & I v UK at the European Court of Human Rights this year. In October 2002, Laura Cox QC became only the seventh female High Court judge.
The Judges' Award
Christopher Digby-Bell
A special Judges' Award was presented to Christopher Digby-Bell, the honorary legal adviser to the Down's Syndrome Association, for his innovative and unique project teaching children with learning difficulties about the law, justice and their rights.
Human Rights Awards 2001
Human Rights Lawyer of the Year
Nuala Mole, Director of the AIRE Centre
For her dedicated leadership of the AIRE Centre, for her outstanding work in the groundbreaking case of TP and KM v United Kingdom, and for her commitment to the development and delivery of judicial training in the Balkans
Peter Duffy Award
Christian Tuddenham, Trainee Solicitor, Lovells
For his outstanding pro bono work in highlighting the civil, political and human rights violations of prisoners abroad and his instrumental role in the changing of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's policy regarding support for clemency pleas of Britons imprisoned overseas.
Human Rights Award
Bail for Immigration Detainees
For providing a free bail service for detained asylum seekers and migrants, for increasing awareness of the lack of human rights protection for these individuals, and for their commitment to campaigning to ensure effective judicial oversight of detention, all carried out by dedicated unpaid volunteers.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Barbara Cohen, Senior Legal Adviser at the Commission for Racial Equality
For her tireless commitment to racial justice and equality, as demonstrated by her important contributions to the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, and for her extensive and dedicated public advocacy and training in the field of anti-discrimination law, over many years.