Cherif Bassiouni passed away on 25 September 2017. Professor Bassiouni was a fierce and tireless advocate for justice and human rights, known as a father of international criminal law, dedicating his life towards improving accountability and developing international law. He was the Honorary President of the Siracusa International Institute for Criminal Justice and Human Rights and Emeritus Professor of Law at DePaul University in Chicago. He was appointed to 22 United Nations positions, including as independent expert and chairman of commissions of inquiry (e.g. Libya, Afghanistan, Bahrain, and the former Yugoslavia). He also served as Vice-Chair of the General Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee on the Establishment of the International Criminal Court and Chair of the Drafting Committee of the Diplomatic Conference on the Establishment of an International Criminal Court. He was awarded numerous distinctions, decorations and honorary degrees for his incredible work, including being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize (1999) and being awarded the Vespasian V. Pella Medal (2000-2010).
Professor Bassiouni was an inspiring teacher, prolific author and editor and leading figure in international criminal law and human rights and he will be dearly missed. The International Nuremberg Principles Academy would like to express its condolences to his family and friends around the world. His legacy will remain at the heart of our work.
Farewell and thank you, Cherif Bassiouni.
