Herbert Awuor is a distinguished Human Rights Defender (HRD), known for his unwavering dedication to legal advocacy and scholarly pursuits, particularly in access to justice and the protection of marginalized communities. With a notable career focused on conflict-ridden regions in the Great Lakes area of Africa, he has consistently championed the rights of vulnerable populations, with a particular emphasis on empowering women and safeguarding children.
Herbert’s commitment to truth and accountability is exemplified through his fearless reporting on a wide array of human rights violations, ranging from arbitrary detentions and extrajudicial killings to instances of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Collaborating with esteemed international organizations such as the Swedish Red Cross, he has actively contributed to drafting legal instruments for asylum applications, appeals, and other analogous documents. His contributions have played a crucial role in ensuring fair and efficient asylum processes, particularly in responding to the challenges posed by the 2015 migration crisis in Europe.
Currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Leeds Beckett University, Herbert holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights and Global Ethics from the University of Leicester. His research project, titled “State Institutions of Human Rights in Post-Conflict Peacebuilding: Lessons of Transition and Deliberative Constitutionalism from the Global South,” focuses on the pivotal role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in post-conflict contexts. Through his scholarly inquiry, Herbert seeks to enhance the effectiveness of NHRIs in advancing human rights and fostering enduring peace in conflict-affected regions.
As a distinguished member of Somalia’s Gender and Human Rights Advisory Council (GHRAC), Herbert contributes his expertise towards promoting gender equality and human rights within the nation, as well as supporting the establishment of the Somali NHRI.