The University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Law at Allard Hall presented Anna Hazare, one of India’s most influential social activists, with the inaugural Allard Prize for International Integrity at a special ceremony last night.
The $100,000 prize is one of the world’s largest awards recognizing efforts to combat corruption and to promote human rights.
“My lifelong mission to fight corruption and promote transparency is stronger for having received this award,” said Mr. Hazare. “I have never been attracted to money and wealth, but the Allard Prize will help me and all those that are working towards the same cause to continue the fight. I am hopeful that this international recognition will promote a movement for change that will endure beyond my lifetime for generations to come.”
Established in October 2012 by UBC Law alumnus Mr. Peter A. Allard, QC, the Allard Prize is awarded to an individual, movement or organization that has shown exceptional courage and leadership in combating corruption, especially through promoting transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
“We are honoured to present the inaugural Allard Prize to Mr. Hazare in recognition of his outstanding leadership and courage in his fight against corruption and for improved government transparency and accountability,” said Mr. Allard. “His work exemplifies the values of the Allard Prize, and his lifelong record of service and dedication has made a significant and lasting impact on the advancement of human rights.”
For decades, Anna Hazare has led successful movements across India to enhance government transparency and investigate and prosecute official corruption. TIME Magazine named the 2011 movement he started one of the Top World News Stories of 2011.
The other finalists, Dr. Sima Samar, an internationally celebrated advocate for human and women’s rights, and Global Witness, an organization campaigning against natural resource-related conflict and corruption and associated environmental and human rights abuses, were each awarded $25,000 for their efforts in protecting human rights and fighting corruption.
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“UBC Law has a deep and longstanding history of advancing human rights,” says UBC Law Dean Mary Anne Bobinski. “Faculty members have been pioneers protecting the human rights of women, indigenous communities and the rights of victims of crime around the world. We are honoured to recognize the work of these community leaders in the fight against corruption and for the protection of human rights.”
The Allard Prize for International Integrity
After a comprehensive review process, the three finalists were selected from more than 100 nominations received, representing 48 countries around the world.
The Allard Prize, which is administered by UBC Law at Allard Hall, is steered by a prize committee composed of representatives of both UBC Law at Allard Hall and the private sector, in consultation with the Allard Prize Advisory Board. Learn more about the Allard Prize on the following website, which features the content translated into more than 10 languages: www.allardprize.org.
The Allard Prize Advisory Board
The Advisory Board includes individuals who have substantial experience in and commitment to the fight against corruption and for human rights: Dr. Mark S. Ellis, B.S., J.D., Ph. D. (Executive Director, International Bar Association, London, England); Mr. James M. Klotz, LL.B. (Partner, Miller Thomson LLP, Toronto, Canada); Justice Ellen G. Northfleet (Partner, Ellen Gracie Advogados Associados , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil); and Stephen Zimmermann, Esq. (Director of Operations, Integrity Vice Presidency, The World Bank).
The Allard Prize Committee
Natasha Affolder, Associate Professor at UBC Faculty of Law; Rob King, Principal at Westbridge Capital Group; Geoff Lyster, Partner at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP; Richard Olson, Lawyer at McKechnie and Company; Benjamin Richardson, Canada Research Chair in Environmental Law & Sustainability at UBC Faculty of Law; and James Stewart, Assistant Professor at UBC Faculty of Law.
Allard Prize Photo Competition
UBC Law oversees the Allard Prize Photo Competition that recognizes photographic excellence reflecting the ideals of the Allard Prize. Each winning entrant receives a $1,000 cash prize and will be featured on the Allard Prize website for six months. Up to six photographs will be selected every six months. Learn more: http://www.allardprize.org/photography-competition/
Allard Prize Award Design Competition
In addition to the $100,000, Mr. Hazare received the Allard Prize Award, an original creative work, as a symbol of the Allard Prize and its enduring legacy. Dr. Samar and Global Witness also received awards similar in form to the Allard Prize Award. A competition was launched earlier this year, inviting designers and artists around the world to submit their concepts and proposals for the Allard Prize Award. Congratulations to Diatom Studio (Greg Saul and Tiago Rorke) whose design entry was selected. Learn more: http://www.allardprize.org/award-competition/
Peter A. Allard, QC
The Allard Prize for International Integrity was created by Mr. Peter A. Allard, QC, as part of his 2011 gift of $11.86 million to UBC’s Faculty of Law. This gift, which is the largest in the Faculty’s history and one of the largest to legal education in Canada, also supported the creation of the Faculty’s new home, Allard Hall. Throughout his career as a lawyer and businessman, Mr. Allard has assumed leadership roles in human rights, environmental advocacy and other philanthropic work. Mr. Allard graduated from UBC with a B.A. in History in 1968, and a LL.B. in 1971. After graduation, Mr. Allard practiced law and participated in various business enterprises. In 1993, he established the Highbury Foundation, which has assisted medical communities in B.C. and Alberta with support for research and the purchase of medical equipment. The Highbury Foundation has also made significant donations to colleges and universities across Western Canada for scholarships and building needs.
UBC Law at Allard Hall
UBC’s Faculty of Law at Allard Hall, located in Vancouver, Canada, is one of the world’s leading legal education and research centres. Its faculty engages in research with national and global reach and provides students with some of the most extensive and innovative curricular opportunities of any Canadian law school. The law school offers strengths in many fields, including business law, international law, environmental and natural resources law, and Indigenous legal issues. Graduates have gone on to leadership positions in a broad range of spheres, from the legal profession, to government, public interest organizations, business and academia. www.law.ubc.ca