Chad human rights lawyer awarded 'alternative' Nobel Prize

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A leading African human rights lawyer has received the alternative Nobel Prize.

Jacqueline Moudeina from Chad was honoured by The Livelihood Award for her tireless work in the country including her drive to bring former dictator Hissene Habre to justice.

Moudeina was honoured alongside Huang Ming from China, Ina May Gaskin from the USA as well as the not-for-profit organisation GRAIN at the 2011 awards which honours and supports those "offering practical and exemplary answers to the most urgent challenges facing the world.

Moudeina is committed to achieving justice in the African nation and her dedication to help at the grassroots as well as at the top has made her a prominent figure in the fight for progression in Africa.

Moudeina's fight to bring Habre to justice began in 2000 when she filed a complaint on behalf of several victims of his brutal regime against him in Senegal, where he now resides. But 11 years of hope came to nothing when the Senegalese court decided they would not prosecute Habre.

There is hope however that the former dictator, who ruled Chad between 1982 and 1990 could be made to pay as the case could be taken up in Belgium.

Moudeina is hopeful of achieving justice on behalf of the people in Chad and has been inspired to continue her fight following her honour by The Livelihood Award.

She said,

In the struggle to end the impunity of some powerful leaders, justice has so far been an elusive dream. But this Award, which you bestow on me today, is a tribute to the thousands of victims, widows, and orphans. And it is to these individuals that I dedicate this Award. We will not give up. This Award reaffirms that we are right and encourages us to continue our fight against impunity.

Moudeina added,

The rights of human beings continue to be violated because the perpetrators of the most atrocious acts enjoy total impunity. The fight against impunity which I lead and which I will win by the Grace of God, is the result of my decision to take the side of those who suffer and whose cries continue to be ignored by the decision makers.

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