Nicholas Opiyo, a human rights lawyer in Uganda, has been awarded the 2021 Human Rights Tulip.
This award is given by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and it is accompanied by a cash prize of 100,000 euros to help the recipient continue or expand their work.
Opiyo opposed the controversial anti-gay law that included a life sentence for homosexuality.
The human rights defender, the ministry said, also played a role in criminalizing torture in his country. Due to his work, he is often accused of criminal violations without evidence, and he is closely monitored by security forces.
“Human rights activists see the charges against Nicholas as a way to hinder his work as a human rights lawyer. Even in jail, he used his time to talk to prisoners who sought advice,” the ministry stated.
“His work has made the LGBTI community in Uganda feel stronger, knowing that there are allies who support them,” said caretaker Foreign Minister Ben Knapen.
Opiyo won the prize over two other finalists: Nunca Más and Russian lawyer Mari Davtyan.
Nunca Mas is the name of a group of activists who defend human rights in Nicaragua. They documented over 400 human rights violations together. A second finalist is Mari Davtyan, a lawyer who stands up for women’s safety in Russia. In addition to representing women in difficult and complex domestic violence cases, she heads the Consortium of Women’s NGOs.
“The organisation gives courses on women’s rights to lawyers and the police and helps victims with their legal cases,” the ministry continued.
Last year, the Human Rights Tulip was presented to Lilit Martirosyan, who works for transgender people in Armenia.
“Since winning the Human Rights Tulip in 2020 I’ve felt stronger and more protected, knowing that the Dutch government is on my side and that I’m no longer on this journey alone,” she said in a press release from the ministry.
