The Independent Lawyers Network Designated as the Recipient of the 2026 UIA Rule of Law Award in cooperation with LexisNexis
The UIA's Governing Board, following a proposal from the Nomination Committee, decided to confer the 2026 UIA Rule of Law Award in cooperation with LexisNexis to the Independent Lawyers Network (ILN), a non-profit organisation originally created in Azerbaijan by practicing human rights lawyers and currently operating in exile. ILN’s activities include practical training, legal support, and strategic litigation, as well the documentation of human rights violations in Azerbaijan and international advocacy.
The 2026 Award recognises the Independent Lawyers Network’s continued commitment to reinforcing the role of lawyers in protecting fundamental rights and freedoms, supporting civil society, and strengthening the rule of law in Azerbaijan, despite the many challenges encountered.
ILN was one of the two finalists selected by the Award’s Nomination Committee alongside with Saeeq Shajjan, an Afghan-born international arbitrator, barrister and solicitor-based in Ontario. Mr Shajjan is recognised by his longstanding contributions to strengthening legal institutions and promoting the rule of law in Afghanistan prior of the Taliban takeover, as well as his efforts to facilitate evacuation of former colleagues in the aftermath of the takeover.
Founded in Azerbaijan in 2020, the Independent Lawyers Network’s early work focused on assisting NGOs facing barriers to registration, challenging restrictions on freedom of association, and documenting cases of torture and ill-treatment. Following its relocation to Germany in November 2024, amid increasing constraints on civil society and a growing crackdown, ILN has continued to provide legal assistance, monitor and report on human rights violations, and contribute to the protection of human rights through international and regional relevant mechanisms. Among its core activities, ILN conducts legal research, delivers capacity-building initiatives, and engages with European and United Nations human rights bodies, with a focus on access to effective remedies and accountability for human rights violations in Azerbaijan.
“_By conferring this Award, we would also like to salute the valuable contribution of lawyers and lawyer’s organisations operating in exile, whose work often involves significant challenges and risks. We recognise their resilience and dedication in continuing to defend human rights and advocate on behalf of colleagues facing threats in their home country_”, said Martin Pradel, Director General of the UIA Institute for the Rule of Law (UIA-IROL).
The 2026 UIA/LexisNexis Rule of Law Award will be officially presented on 28 October 2026 at the Opening Ceremony of the UIA 70th Congress, to be held in Marrakech, Morocco.
More about the UIA Rule of Law Award in collaboration with LexisNexis
Created in 2016, the UIA Rule of Law Award, in collaboration with LexisNexis, recognises individuals and/or organisations actively contributing to the development and promotion of the rule of law at national, regional or international level within the legal community.