Advocate of the Year
About Advocate of the Year
As a student organization, Human Rights Network’s mission is to promote and protect human rights through legal research and advocacy, coalition building, education, and activism. We believe that the recognition of the inherent dignity and equal inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. We use this award to honor individuals that have shown incredible professional commitment to human rights through out the world and in our own local community.
Advocate of the Year 2008
Gwynne Skinner -
We recognize Ms. Skinner’s deep commitment to Human Rights through her litigation and teaching experiences. From access to women’s health rights in Africa to detention issues and conditions for immigrants and refugees, she has been engaged with critical human rights concerns around the world. Notably, Skinner’s work on Corrie et al v. Caterpillar has been at the forefront of legal issues involving the liability of corporations for their complicity in human rights abuses. Additionally, this case has brought international attention to Seattle University School of Law’s clinical program and has provided students with the unique opportunity to work on a case dealing directly with international human rights law.
Ms. Skinners tireless efforts to bring Human Rights to the classrooms of Seattle University Law and beyond have forever changed our school. Her classes, including the International Human Right Clinic, International and Comparative Law on the Rights of Women, and Corporate Responsibility and Human Rights, have fostered a new breed of lawyers with an increased awareness of human rights in a variety of different contexts. Many students have been inspired by her classes, as well as her work, and feel empowered to pursue human rights as the foundation of their legal careers. Finally, Ms. Skinner has also been a great friend of Human Rights Network itself, and we, as a board, feel indebted for her support.
Past winners
Advocate of the Year 2007
Cindy and Craig Corrie have demonstrated a deep commitment to human rights through the establishment of unique and creative programs in the memory and spirit of their daughter Rachel Corrie. Through education, art, and various grassroots initiatives, the Rachel Corrie Foundation works tirelessly to fulfill its goal to connect people and communities through fostering understanding, building respect, and promoting cooperation. The work of the Foundation reflects the very basis of human rights and is a critical component of the larger movement towards economic, social, and environmental justice.
Furthermore, the Corrie’s have made tireless efforts to work for the many Palestinians who suffer under the current situation in the Occupied Territories, as well as to discover the truth about what happened to their daughter and hold those responsible for her death accountable. Their leadership and compassion are commendable and an inspiration to us all.
