About Us
The “Nizar Banat Award for the Protection of At-Risk Human Rights Defenders” is an initiative by the group Lawyers for Justice. It aims to honor human rights defenders in Palestine who bravely and persistently confront oppression and tyranny. The award is rooted in the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (1998), reinforcing the role of defenders in promoting freedom of expression, justice, and accountability.
Introduction
The Palestinian people have always upheld their freedom, despite nearly a century of foreign domination—from British colonialism to Israeli occupation. Throughout the ongoing suffering, including the most recent war on Gaza since October 7, 2023, Palestinians have continued to raise their voices for dignity, justice, and the right to self-determination.
Since 1993, the Palestinian Authority assumed civil governance under the Oslo Accords. However, it failed to establish a democratic state governed by pluralism and anti-corruption practices. Instead, it contributed to deepening political and geographic divisions between the West Bank and Gaza. During these challenging times, brave voices emerged—voices that expressed the people’s suffering and aspirations.
One of the most prominent voices was that of Nizar Banat, a Palestinian activist who fearlessly opposed corruption and injustice through powerful videos and social media commentary. Nizar became a symbol of truth, speaking openly when others could not. His sharp analysis covered political events, social issues, and economic challenges.
He was repeatedly targeted and detained by Palestinian security forces for expressing his opinions. When the Palestinian Authority announced parliamentary elections in 2019, Nizar decided to run to effect real change. During his campaign, his home was attacked, and later the elections were canceled. He continued to mobilize public opinion, exposing several scandals—including a deal involving expired COVID-19 vaccines from the Israeli occupation.
As his criticisms intensified, so did the threats against him. After announcing a protest in front of the European Union office, to hold donor countries accountable for funding a regime he claimed violated human rights, he was arrested in a brutal raid. Coordinated with the Israeli forces, this arrest led to his death, reportedly due to blunt force trauma—a message meant to silence dissent.
Nizar’s killing triggered widespread protests across Palestinian cities, demanding justice and accountability. These demonstrations became one of the largest human rights movements in recent years, despite being met with repression and mass arrests.
The Nizar Banat Award was launched as a grassroots initiative by Lawyers for Justice in partnership with Nizar’s friends, family, and human rights activists. A founding committee was formed, including:
- Lawyer Mohannad Karajeh – Director of Lawyers for Justice
- Jihad Abdo – Award Coordinator
- Ghassan Banat – Brother of the martyr
- Ezzedine Zaoul – Close friend of Nizar
- Mamdouh Al-Aker – Prominent public figure
- Omar Assaf – Popular leader
- Salma Al-Khalidi – Human rights activist
- Journalist Iyad Hamad
- Sanaa Zakarneh – Grassroots leader
- Hanaa Al-Baydak – Grassroots leader
- Jihad Abdo – Award coordinator
- Lawyer Dhafer Saaydeh – Lawyers for Justice
About the Award
The Nizar Banat Award is a legal and moral initiative by Lawyers for Justice to honor Palestinian human rights and freedom defenders. It commemorates the legacy of Nizar Banat, who paid the ultimate price for standing up against corruption and tyranny.
The award is grounded in international human rights frameworks, aiming to support freedom of speech and to uplift activists facing daily threats in their pursuit of dignity and justice.
Award Objectives
- Everlasting recognition of the martyr Nizar Banat
- Annual recognition of Palestinian defenders of human rights and freedoms
- Promotion and support of a culture that defends human rights and freedoms in Palestine
Award Framework
- Submission Date: June 24 of each year, marking the anniversary of Nizar Banat’s martyrdom
- Selection Process: The winner is chosen by a jury and listed in the official record of the Nizar Banat Award. The winner receives a certificate of recognition and a symbolic financial prize of $1,500 to support their human rights work
- Award Launch: The award will be officially launched on May 22, 2025, and nominations will be open until June 5, 2025