Established in partnership between Amnesty International and Ghent University, the Amnesty International Chair honors individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of human rights around the world.
Each year, the Chair is awarded to a prominent advocate, scholar, or public figure whose work exemplifies courage, integrity, and impact in the defense of human dignity and freedom. In recognition of their efforts, the laureate is invited to Ghent University to share their insights and experiences with both the academic community and the wider public. As part of the Chair, the laureate delivers a public lecture on a human rights issue of global relevance. In addition, the laureate engages directly with students and researchers through a series of guest lectures and seminars, fostering dialogue, critical reflection, and deeper understanding of contemporary human rights challenges.
Through this collaboration, Amnesty International and Ghent University seek to amplify the voices of those at the forefront of human rights work and to inspire the next generation of global citizens and change-makers.
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Hanna Liubakova is a Belarusian journalist and political analyst whose courageous and relentless work reporting on authoritarianism, repression, and democratic resistance in Belarus has significantly shaped global conversations on truth, democracy, and state accountability. The official ceremony is scheduled for October 1st. More information is coming soon.
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2025-2021
2025 – Noura Erakat, human rights attorney, scholar, and advocate for Palestinian rights | 2024 – Joe Cannataci, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy | 2023 – Elizabeth Wathuti, Climate activist | 2022 – Gloria Wekker, Social and cultural anthropologist | 2021 – Adam Bodnar, Poland’s former ombudsman, and human rights commissioner
2020-2016
2019 – Geert Cappelaere, Children’s rights expert | 2018 – Shirin Ebadi, Iranian human rights activist and Nobel laureate | 2016 – Peter Piot, Renowned virologist and former UNAIDS director
2015-2011
2015 – Dave Eggers, American author | 2014 – Clive Stafford Smith, Civil rights lawyer and anti-death penalty activist | 2013 – Solange Habonimana, Burundian activist | 2012 – Thomas Hammarberg as Commissioner for Human Rights in the Council of Europe | 2011 – Sister Jeanne Devos who fights for the rights of domestic workers in India
2010-2007
2010 – Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court | 2009 – Nawal El Saadawi, feminist icon |2007 – Irene Khan, Amnesty International secretary
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