The Global Jurist of the Year Award or the Global Jurist Award is an annual honor recognizing a sitting judge for advancing international human rights or criminal law. Presented by the Center for International Human Rights at Northwestern University School of Law, the award emphasizes judicial courage, rule of law, and dedication to justice under challenging conditions.
Background The Global Jurist of the Year Award was established in 2013 by the Center for International Human Rights (CIHR), which is housed in the Bluhm Legal Clinic at Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. The award is granted annually to a sitting judge in recognition of that judge's contribution to the advancement of international human rights or international criminal law. Special account is given to jurists who demonstrate outstanding dedication to the rule of law and courage in the face of adversity, including personal risk. Jurists from all nations and tribunals are eligible.
The inaugural recipient of the award was Justice Dikgang Moseneke, Deputy Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa.
Recipients
Year Recipient Judicial appointment at time of award State/Organization 2013 Dikgang Moseneke Deputy Chief Justice, Constitutional Court of South Africa Republic of South Africa2014Shireen Avis FisherPresident, Special Court for Sierra LeoneThe Special Court for Sierra Leone 2015Gloria Patricia Porras EscobarPresident, Constitutional Court of GuatemalaGuatemala2016Rosalie Silberman AbellaJustice, Supreme Court of CanadaCanada2020Mumbi NgugiJustice, High Court of KenyaKenya2022Miguel Ángel GálvezJudgeGuatemala2023Igor TuleyaNational JudgePoland2025Belkis Florentina Izquierdo TorresAuxiliary Judge, Superior Council of Judicature; President, Truth Recognition ChamberColombia
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