Brief history of our awards
From its inception, the World Association of Jurists, now the World Jurist Association, understood that upholding the Rule of Law required not only dialogue and institutional cooperation, but also the recognition of individuals and institutions whose lives have promoted justice and human dignity.
The awards system developed by the World Jurist Association and later supported by the World Law Foundation, reflects a profound belief that leaders who champion the Rule of Law can shape the moral direction of societies.
Honoring their achievements allows the organization to inspire future generations, elevate global standards of justice, and recognize individuals who have strengthened legal institutions at moments of historical significance. Through the awards, the World Jurist Association and World Law Foundation reaffirm the principle that peace can only be secured when humanity upholds law over force.
The following are some of the personalities that have received prestigious WJA recognitions:
Outstanding Jurist of the World Award
Outstanding Jurist of the World
France. Further in 1968, he was awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize for his human rights work
Outstanding Jurist of the World
World Peace Award: Nelson Mandela.
Honorary President of El País
First female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of UK (2017–2020)
In 2019, the prize was awarded to King Felipe VI of Spain for his role in defending the Rule of Law.
The World Peace & Liberty Award is a recognition granted since 1965 by the World Jurist Association, recognizing outstanding world personalities
President of the European Central Bank
Christine Lagarde, Gillian Triggs, Luz del Carmen Ibáñez, Maite Oronoz, Navi Pillay, Young Hye Kim, Sujata Manohar, Rosario Silva Lapuerta.
Stephen Breyer, Kerry Kennedy, Ignacio Sánchez Galán, Richard Wagner, Luis Almagro, Luc Lavrysen, Brian Preston.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights 2008-2014
Receives the World Peace & Liberty Award granted to the European Commission
Founder of Just Rights for Children
Sonia Sotomayor received the World Peace & Liberty Award for her impeccable judicial work and her efforts to uphold and apply the law even in challenging circumstances.
President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights