LSBU students honour Adil Melendez for his services to Colombian Human Rights in ‘Inspired By Law’ Project
Article by Caravana Member Aoife McCauley
Students honoured 11 inspirational lawyers and human rights defenders at an event on 17th November at London South Bank University as part of the ‘Inspired By Law’ project. The award winners including Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Diana Nammi, Professor Akua Kuenyehia, Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, James Thornton, and Khalil Ma’touq are to be the founding members of the permanent gallery exhibited at the University.
Among those to be included in the gallery was Adil Jose Melendez Marquez, a Colombian lawyer, nominated for his services to Colombian Human Rights. Yue Zhang, a Law student who presented the award, commended his bravery in continuing his work to further human rights in Colombia despite surviving an assassination attempt, receiving several death threats and being a subject of stigmatization. His efforts in continuing the fight for Human Rights are an inspiration to students, lawyers and legal campaigners around the world.
Unfortunately, Adil was unable to attend the event but in accepting the honour of being part of the gallery, he said:
‘My sincere thanks on behalf of the Sixta Asprilla Collective of Lawyers and ACADEHUM for such a significant nomination, which is recognition of the work of thousands of lawyers carried out in Colombia. My greeting to all the law students, who hope for a more equal world in what can be a difficult profession.’
Professor Sara Chandler, chair of the Colombian Caravana, accepted the award on Adil’s behalf. Sara spoke along with Helena Kennedy QC, Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, Diana Nammi, and others on the importance of acknowledging and promoting the work of these lawyers and legal campaigners. In a country in acute conflict for nearly 60 years, Colombia is the most dangerous place in the world for human rights defenders. In this climate it is difficult for the rule of law, social justice, access to justice and human rights to survive. It is so important to remember lawyers at the forefront of political action, and we at the Caravana are very pleased to see Adil Melendez recognised in the ‘Inspired by Law’ project.
NB. When panelists were asked ‘Who would you like to see next in the gallery?’ Sara Chandler was acknowledged for ‘her dedication and persistence in the area of Human Rights’. We hope to see her face in the gallery son!