Breaking ground in many different ways, Fatou B. Bensouda became the first individual with African roots, and the first woman, to be appointed Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Now, she is the latest recipient of Trinity’s Praeses Elit Award, after speaking to the Trinity Law Society last Thursday.
On Thursday October 22nd Nearly fifty people – students, staff and members of the college community – gathered in Trinity’s Graduates Memorial Building for Bensouda’s award presentation and speech.
Former lawyer, international criminal law prosecutor and legal adviser from the Gambia, Bensouda has been Chief Prosecutor of the ICC since June 2012. Before being unanimously elected in December 2011, she had worked as the Deputy Prosecutor for eight years. She has also worked as a Legal Advisor and Trial Attorney at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Tanzania.
Taking to the podium, she stated it was “a privilege” to be “associated” with Trinity and to “join the distinguished group of prior recipients of this award.” She continued: “I accept this honor as a recognition, not of my humble achievements but rather of the importance of the ICC and the promise of international criminal justice for a more just and peaceful world in this new century.”
Kean Kavanagh, Auditor of Law Soc stated he was “absolutely ecstatic” to have as Bensouda present, referring to her as “one of the most influential people in the world.”
“For as long as I can remember, I have felt that justice is the oxygen of the soul… we all need it for our sustenance”
In addition to receiving the society’s Praeses Elit award, Bensouda has been the recipient of many awards and honors. In Time magazine, the Chief Prosecutor was listed among the 100 most influential people in the world it in its annual Time 100 issue.
Bensouda most notably received the distinguished International Jurists Award in 2009. She was presented with the award for her contributions to criminal law at a national and international level.
“Vulnerable groups in society can and must be protected and afforded a measure of justice” she stated, speaking of underrepresented and underprivileged groups of people who are exposed to oppressive violence. She also spoke of the many women that are “victims of rape as well as many other forms sexual and domestic violence” and how she strives toward mobilizing a justice system that will be able to fully afford protecting marginalized people.
“For as long as I can remember,” Bensouda said, “I have felt that justice is the oxygen of the soul. We all need it for our sustenance.”
Bensouda was born and attended school in Banjul, the Gambia, before she left for Nigeria. She then graduated from the University of IFE with a Bachelor of Laws before obtaining her Barrister-at-Law qualification from the Nigerian Law School. Later, she obtained her Master of Laws from the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta.
Former president of Ireland, Mary Robinson, founded the Praeses Elit award, issued by Trinity Law Society. Past recipients include astronaut Chris Hadfield, actress Sarah Rafferty, and British barrister Cherie Blair. Former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger, former Secretary General Theodore Olson, American broadcaster Larry King and Director of UN Women, Dr. Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka, are due to visit the society later in the year to receive the award as well.
