The M.C. Bassiouni Justice Award
The purpose of the M.C. Bassiouni Justice Award is to recognize outstanding service to the adjudication, prosecution, investigation, documentation, defence, analysis, diplomacy or study of core international crimes (war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression), or other significant contributions to criminal justice for such crimes, to bringing about preconditions for such justice, or to other forms of transitional justice. A number of factors will be considered when determining whether service may be outstanding, including its quality, integrity, duration, consistency, innovation, the risks or other socio-economic circumstances faced, and courage. Particular emphasis will be placed on whether the service has generated public goods or value. Academic rigour and creativity will be recognized.
It is hoped that the granting of the Award will encourage other professionals active in the field to excel in their activities. To this end, the justification that will be offered for the granting of each Award will highlight the decisive qualities of the recognized service.
The Award will not be granted more frequently than once per year, and only when a suitable candidate has been identified.
The Award is granted by the Centre for International Law Research and Policy (CILRAP). Decisions on granting the Award will normally be made by a CILRAP Committee consisting of Professor Claus Kress, Professor LING Yan, Professor William A. Schabas, Associate Professor CHEAH Wui Ling, former Norwegian Judge Advocate General Arne Willy Dahl, CILRAP Director Morten Bergsmo (Chair), and Committee Secretary Devasheesh Bais (CILRAP Fellow and Advocate before the High Court of Indore). The Award has been associated with CILRAP’s department FICHL (the Forum for International Criminal and Humanitarian Law) since 2012.
The Award is named after late Professor M.C. Bassiouni, one of the founders of the discipline of international criminal law who has dedicated his working life to the service of international law. Professor Bassiouni participated actively in the granting of the Awards between 2012 and 2017. He was a strong supporter of CILRAP’s work until he passed away on 25 September 2017.
