Aussie Human Rights Lawyer Honoured
21 September 2012 at 1:17 pm
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Dr Phillip Tahmindjiis has been honoured for his work within the international legal community. Photo supplied. |
Australian Human Rights lawyer and Director of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, Dr Phillip Tahmindjis, has been awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his work within the international legal community.
Tahmindjis, who is based in London, was honoured at Government House in Canberra today.
He was nominated for the prestigious award by the Former Justice of the High Court of Australia, Michael Kirby.
According to the International Bar Association (IBA), Tahmindjis has held executive positions in several organisations and has been a consultant to private industry and government with respect to the implementation of human rights.
His other previous positions include being the President of the Queensland branch of Amnesty International, Trustee of the Queensland AIDS Council, Vice-President of the International Lesbian and Gay Lawyers Association, and Trustee of the Southern Africa Litigation Centre.
“Phillip Tahmindjis is an outstanding human rights lawyer. As an Australian, I am proud of his contributions to the IBA and to the cause of human rights throughout the world,” Justice Kirby said.
“As a member of the Council of the IBA’s Human Rights Institute I am aware of the outstanding work he has done over many years in all parts of the world and in sometimes very stressful circumstances.
“He is innovative, imaginative and inspiring. He shows that, to be a successful human rights lawyer you need a good brain, a big heart, courage and steely determination.”
Described by the Australian Government as ‘the pre-eminent way Australians recognise the achievements and service of their fellow citizens’, the Member of the Order of Australia was established in February 1975 by Queen Elizabeth II and is awarded twice annually to recognise outstanding achievement and service.
IBA President, Akira Kawamura, praised Tahmindjis for his tireless efforts on “human rights, equality and rule of law issues”.
“It is Dr Tahmindjis’ dedication to fighting inequality across the globe, advancing the rule of law, and protecting the independence of the legal profession that makes him a truly deserving recipient of the Award,” Kawamura said.
“He is a unique international human rights advocate, in a sense incomparable to anyone else. We at the IBA are thoroughly delighted that his work has been both recognised and honoured.”
Really that was an awesome and remarkable achievement, for every lawyer it’s definitely a dream to establish themselves as a great and recognized lawyer among the society, therefore they used to work for earning their names. Here Dr Phillip Tahmindjis also travels in a same category of achievement it’s not quite easy to get such an award.