Who we are
The Nizar Banat Award for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders at Risk is an initiative of the Lawyers for Justice group, which aims to honor human rights defenders in Palestine who bravely and persistently confront oppression and tyranny. This award is based on the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (1998), to enhance the role of human rights defenders in exercising freedom of expression, justice and accountability.
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The Palestinian people have been distinguished by their freedom despite living for nearly a century under British colonialism, followed by the Zionist Israeli occupation, and the successive catastrophes they have experienced and continue to experience until today, the latest of which is the aggression on the Gaza Strip, which we have been experiencing since October 7, 2023. Over the decades, the Palestinian people have been distinguished by their renewal and their free voice rejecting the occupation and their insistence on their right to self-determination and to live with dignity and freedom.
Since 1993, the Palestinian Authority has been responsible for the civil affairs of the Palestinian people under the Oslo Accords. However, the Palestinian Authority has not succeeded in achieving a democratic state characterized by pluralism, good governance, and the fight against corruption. Rather, it has contributed to creating the political and geographical division between the two parts of the homeland, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. During this difficult time, free national figures emerged who spoke with the voice of every Palestinian and diagnosed the condition of the people and the suffering they were experiencing.
Nizar Banat, the Palestinian who stood up against corruption at all levels with his free speech and voice, and whose videos have spread at every event and occasion across all social media platforms, has become an icon for everyone, speaking out about what some might be afraid or embarrassed to talk about. Nizar possessed a penetrating vision and strategic mindset, explaining in his words what was happening on the political scene, Palestine’s relationship with the surrounding and world, in addition to the social and economic aspects of the Palestinian people.
Nizar Banat was pursued by the Palestinian security services on the grounds of freedom of opinion and expression numerous times, and he was arrested. There were numerous campaigns to combat him and his voice. At a time when the Palestinian Authority announced in 2019 the reactivation of the role of the Legislative Council by holding legislative elections, Nizar decided to participate in these elections in order to play a role in bringing about change in the Palestinian reality.
Nizar began working and preparing for his list’s electoral campaign, during which he was shot at at his home. Later, the elections were cancelled by the President of the Authority, and from here the entire street mobilized as a result of this decision, and Nizar was at the forefront of this movement, exposing many issues at that stage, most notably the corrupt Corona vaccine deal that the Palestinian Authority obtained from the occupation “Israel”. From here, the pressure and persecution of Nizar began to increase.
Nizar Banat’s persecution by Palestinian security forces continued, escalating after he announced his intention to file a complaint against the European Union before the competent European courts to hold member states accountable for their financial support to the Palestinian Authority, which he believes is used for activities that violate human rights and justice. As his criticisms escalated, the targeting reached its peak when the security forces carried out a security operation, in coordination with the Israeli occupation forces, in an area under its control, to arrest Nizar, who was subsequently killed as a result of the fatal blows he suffered at the hands of security personnel during his arrest.
The killing of Nizar sparked a wave of anger and outrage across the Palestinian street, denouncing the actions of the Palestinian Authority and its security services. Dozens were arrested in connection with the killing, and many are still on trial today.
These protests constituted one of the most prominent popular movements in the West Bank in recent years, with participants raising slogans of freedom, dignity, and accountability for those involved. The authorities met this movement with repression and arrests, and dozens of activists and demonstrators were detained.
The “Nizar Banat Award” was launched at the initiative of the “Lawyers for Justice” group. A founding committee was formed, consisting of Nizar’s family, human rights activists, community activists, educators, politicians, and some of Nizar’s friends, to oversee the award. The committee includes the following figures:
- Attorney Muhannad Karajah – Director of the Lawyers for Justice Group
- Jihad Abdo – Award Launch Coordinator
- Ghassan Banat – the martyr’s brother
- Ezzedine Zaoul – the martyr’s close friend
- Mamdouh Al-Aker – a prominent figure
- Omar Assaf – Popular Leader
- Salma Al-Khalidi – Educational and community activist
- Iyad Hamad – Journalist
- Sanaa Zakarneh – Popular Leader
- Hana Al-Baydaq – Community and human rights activist
- Attorney Zafer Sa’aida – Lawyers for Justice Group
About the award
The award is based on the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. It seeks to promote freedom of opinion and expression, support activists facing challenges in defending human dignity and justice, and commemorate the martyr Nizar Banat, who was a free voice against corruption and tyranny and paid with his life for his courageous stance in defense of human rights.
Award objectives
- Eternal and historic tribute to the martyr Nizar Banat
- Annual tribute to Palestinian human rights and freedom defenders
- Promote, encourage, and create a supportive environment for the defense of human rights and freedoms in Palestine.
General framework of the award
- The award’s first phase will be announced on May 26, 2025, and nominations will be open until June 10, 2025.
- Selection Mechanism: The winner will be selected based on the decision of the jury (who are experienced, specialized, and known for their integrity).
- The award winner will be announced and awarded on June 24th of each year, coinciding with the anniversary of Nizar Banat’s martyrdom.
- The winner’s name will be entered in the Nizar Banat Award registry and will receive a certificate of appreciation and a symbolic sum of US$1,500 to support their human rights career.