The 2008 Human Rights Awards, organised by Liberty and JUSTICE and sponsored by the Law Society, saw those who devote much of their time to the protection and promotion of human rights recognised for their outstanding efforts.

The judges – Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty, Roger Smith, Director of JUSTICE and Paul Marsh, President of the Law Society - praised all those nominated and shortlisted for the awards before announcing the winners at the prestigious event at the Law Society.

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.

Human Rights Award

Winner:

Corner House Research
For the knowledge, skill and energy shown in their dedicated work to help the disempowered of the world.

Shortlist:

Rachel Head
For her exceptional voluntary work with Dudley Citizens Advice Bureau, and in particular her tireless contribution to securing justice for a client who had been subjected to racial and religious abuse.

Fulham Legal Advice Centre
For outstanding contributions to innumerable lives in the local community, despite an incredibly difficult year, especially to those without other forms of assistance.

Human Rights Lawyer of the Year Award

Winner:

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.

Shortlisted:

Martin Howe
For fearlessly representing and campaigning on behalf of retired British Army Gurkhas in their battle for settlement rights, which generated enormous public support and culminated in legal victory.

John Cooper
For his committed pro bono work representing bereaved families of military personnel who have died in service or at home, including his work on the Deepcut barracks cases.

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.

Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty, said:

“In these dark times, where almost every day there is another mauling of the Human Rights Act, the dedication and hard work of these organisations and individuals is truly uplifting. It is a heartening experience to judge these awards and rightly recognise the important contributions made by all those short-listed.”

Roger Smith, director of JUSTICE, said:

"The winners of these awards indicate what we know more generally: the Human Rights Act has galvanised many to the defence of those who would otherwise be marginalised in the legal system of this country."

Paul Marsh, President of the Law Society, said:

“Judging these awards was a real privilege and all the shortlisted entries should be proud of their achievements. Without the efforts of all those devoted to the promotion and protection of human rights the principles of justice and fairness would not be upheld.”