The Center for International Human Rights (CIHR) at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law has named Judge Belkis Florentina Izquierdo Torres as the recipient of their 10th Global Jurist of the Year Award. The Colombian judge, also known as Aty Seikuinduwa, is recognized for her work in acknowledging the rights of Indigenous communities and environmental concerns through her judicial efforts.
Judge Izquierdo Torres, a member of the Arhuaco people from northern Colombia, holds the distinction of being the first Indigenous woman to serve as an auxiliary judge on the Superior Council of Judicature. Currently, she presides over the Truth Recognition Chamber within Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), a court established to address human rights violations committed during Colombia's armed conflict from 1964 to 2016.
The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday, March 19 at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Atrium in Chicago. Media representatives are welcome but must register in advance to attend.
The CIHR honors Judge Izquierdo Torres for her role in integrating Indigenous perspectives into transitional justice processes and advocating for Earth-centered legal principles. "Magistrate Izquierdo Torres is responsible for groundbreaking jurisprudence recognizing the rights of Indigenous communities, as well as the environment, during Colombia’s peace process," stated Priyanka Motaparthy, CIHR director and clinical professor of law. "Her vision and clarity are sure to inspire our law school community, as well as shifting perspectives."
Judge Izquierdo Torres has contributed her expertise to various national and international bodies including serving as an advisor to Colombia's Presidency and Ministry of the Interior, consulting with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and advising multiple public and private entities.
Previous honorees of CIHR’s Global Jurist Award include prominent figures such as Judge Igor Tuleya from Poland; Hon. Miguel Angel Galvez from Guatemala; Judge Anisa Rasooli representing women judges in Afghanistan; Justice Dikgang Moseneke from South Africa; and Justice Shireen Avis Fisher from Sierra Leone.
For media inquiries or attendance registration, contact Shanice Harris at shanice.harris@northwestern.edu by Tuesday, March 18 at 5 p.m. CST.