On Friday December 13, the René Cassin Foundation had the honor of awarding the Jacques Ribs Prize for Human Rights to two laureates at an exceptional ceremony held at the Villa Quai Sturm in Strasbourg. The ceremony paid tribute to two exemplary individuals who embody the fight for fundamental rights and freedoms.

Ms. Sebnem Korur Fincancieminent human rights defender, was presented with the prize for individuals by Mr. Jean-Marie Delarue, former Contrôleur général des lieux de privation de liberté and honorary Conseiller d’État. Şebnem Korur Fincancı is a key figure in the fight against torture and fundamental rights violations. She participated in the Bosnian mass grave autopsies (1996) and contributed to the drafting of the Istanbul Protocol (1999), establishing international standards for the assessment of torture. She has trained professionals and conducted medical assessments for alleged victims of torture internationally.

In Turkey, she is involved with victims of sexual violence via Purple Roof, a feminist organization. Despite trials and imprisonment (2016, 2022) linked to her fight for freedom of expression, she continued her academic and forensic activities until her forced retirement in 2018, after signing a petition for peace.

His career illustrates a relentless commitment to human rights, despite persecution.

L’Prison Insider associationrepresented by founder Bernard Bolze and director Florence Laufer, also received an award. The award was presented by Martine Denis-Linton, former President of the French National Asylum Court and Honorary State Councillor.

Founded in 2015 by Bernard Bolze, Prison Insider responds to the need for rigorous, independent information on prison conditions around the world. The association was formed to fill the void left by the disappearance of the international dimension of the International Prison Observatory (OIP).

In 2017, Prison Insider launched a trilingual platform (French, English, Spanish) that gathers reliable and accessible data on global prison realities, helping to inform public policy and improve practice.

Now internationally recognized, Prison Insider plays a key role in defending the rights and dignity of prisoners, by fighting against the opacity of the prison environment.

This first edition, marked by the presence of numerous personalitiescommitted to human rights, underlined the importance of the remarkable work accomplished by the prizewinners. The René Cassin Foundation warmly thanks all those who contributed to the success of this memorable event.