Director of Liberty, Shami Chakrabarti said:
“Now more than ever we must celebrate those who selflessly fight for the rights of others. Human rights protections are the very heart of British democracy, yet the struggle to protect people from torture and preserve the right to a fair trial continues. These courageous human rights advocates deserve our praise and our thanks.”
The Human Rights Awards are sponsored by Liberty and JUSTICE. Speakers at the event include Baroness Helena Kennedy of the Shaws QC, human rights expert, barrister and broadcaster; Roger Smith, Director of Justice and Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty.
Liberty Press Office on 0207 378 3656 or 0797 3 831 128
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The Liberty / JUSTICE 2006 Human Rights Awards will begin at 6:30pm on Tuesday 12 December at Herbert Smith LLP, Exchange House, Primrose Street, London EC2A 2HS. For an invitation please contact
jenc@liberty-human-rights.org.uk Shortlisted for the 2006 Human Rights Awards are:
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.
Dexter Dias
For his outstanding commitment to the concept of human rights and justice for all. For his deep devotion to ensure that the voices of the weakest in our society are heard.
Mark Muller QC
For his tireless work in promoting and protecting human rights. For his great body of pro bono work.
The Human Rights Award
George Mwangi
For his impressive work as a human rights activist. For his outstanding achievements in fighting for his own case as an asylum seeker while detained in Harmondsworth Immigration Removals Centre.
Action on Rights for Children
For their determined promotion of children's rights and their commitment in protecting children from both domestic abuse and from an ever more over-bearing State.
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.
Pauline Levis
For her outstanding devotion to the cause of one of her former pupils, Behnam Askari who was likely to face an unjust deportation to Iran.
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.
Alison Gerry
For her tenacity and dedication to grassroots human rights issues. For her work in representing vulnerable people and for her battles on behalf of the families of prisoners and mental health patients who have died in detention.
Mark Titchner
For his ability to communicate through art the concerns that we all share about the laws which undermine human rights.
