*Receives prestigious Robert Badinter Grand Prix at 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris
By Admin
Nigeria's efforts to abolish the death penalty gained international recognition with Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) in Nigeria, emerging as a finalist for the prestigious Robert Badinter Grand Prix at the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Paris.
Widely regarded as one of the highest honours in the global abolition movement, the Robert Badinter Grand Prix celebrates individuals whose courage, leadership and commitment have made a significant impact in the campaign against capital punishment. Uzoma-Iwuchukwu was presented with the Robert Badinter Grand Prix Finalist Award during the closing ceremony of the congress, while the top prize went to another laureate.
The recognition highlights not only her years of advocacy but also Nigeria's gradual shift in its approach to capital punishment.
In announcing the honour, the international jury praised her role in advancing abolition through strategic litigation, sustained engagement with lawmakers, capacity building for judges and other justice sector actors, prison monitoring, and legal representation for people on death row. Those efforts have also helped drive legislative and policy reforms aimed at reducing the use of the death penalty in Nigeria.
The award comes at a significant moment. As of December 2025, Nigeria had more than 3,742 people on death row, the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. More than 82 are women. But irrespective of the large size of the condemned population and the continued imposition of death sentences, Nigeria has not carried out an execution in nearly a decade.
If this persists, by the end of 2026, Nigeria will mark 10 consecutive years without an execution, a milestone that would reinforce its standing as a de facto abolitionist country under international human rights standards.
Receiving the award, Uzoma-Iwuchukwu said the recognition belonged to the many Nigerians working to build a justice system that respects the right to life.
"Nigeria reaching 10 years without executions is a milestone we must protect. This award shows that courageous advocacy can change a country's direction. I accept it on behalf of all Nigerians working for a justice system that respects the right to life," she said.
The next challenge is to convert the country's informal moratorium into law by adopting a formal suspension of executions, narrowing the scope of capital punishment and building national consensus toward its eventual abolition, she noted.
ASF France, the international human rights organisation that has worked in Nigeria for years, congratulated its Country Director on the recognition, describing it as a reflection of sustained efforts to expand access to justice and promote compliance with international human rights standards.
Over the years, the organisation has provided free legal assistance, trained judges and lawyers, monitored correctional facilities and championed reforms designed to strengthen Nigeria's justice system.
The 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty brought together jurists, policymakers, civil society organisations and human rights advocates from more than 100 countries to assess global progress and renew commitments to ending capital punishment. For Nigeria, the recognition of one of its foremost abolition advocates reflects the country's growing visibility in the international movement to end the death penalty.
No comments:
Post a Comment