By media360impact
Paris/Abuja – Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) in Nigeria, has been honoured with the Robert Badinter Grand Prix Finalist Award at the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty held in Paris, France.
The Robert Badinter Grand Prix is regarded as one of the highest international recognitions in the global movement to abolish the death penalty. It celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, courage and commitment to ending capital punishment worldwide.
Uzoma-Iwuchukwu received the official Finalist Award Certificate during the closing ceremony of the congress, while the overall Grand Prix was presented to another laureate.
According to the organisers, the Nigerian human rights advocate was recognised for her outstanding contributions to advancing the abolition of the death penalty in Nigeria through strategic litigation, legislative advocacy, capacity building for judicial officers and justice sector stakeholders, prison monitoring, and the provision of legal assistance to inmates on death row.
Her recognition comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s evolving human rights landscape. As of December 2025, Nigeria had more than 3,742 inmates on death row the highest number in Sub-Saharan Africa including over 82 women. Despite the large death row population, the country has not carried out an execution in almost a decade.
If no executions are carried out before the end of 2026, Nigeria will mark 10 consecutive years without an execution, a milestone that could strengthen its status as a de facto abolitionist country under international human rights standards.
Speaking after receiving the award, Uzoma-Iwuchukwu described the recognition as a victory for everyone working to reform Nigeria’s justice system.
“Nigeria reaching 10 years without executions is a milestone we must protect. This award shows that courageous advocacy can change a country’s direction. I accept it on behalf of all Nigerians working for a justice system that respects the right to life.
The next step is clear: adopt a formal moratorium on executions in law, reduce the scope of capital punishment, and build national consensus as we work toward eventual abolition. My gratitude goes to our team, partners, and everyone who supported this journey.”
ASF France commended her leadership, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen access to justice, uphold human rights and advance the abolition of the death penalty.
The organisation has worked in Nigeria for several years, providing free legal assistance, training lawyers and judges, promoting fair trial standards, combating torture and ill-treatment, and supporting initiatives on press freedom, digital rights and justice sector reforms.
The 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty brought together jurists, policymakers, civil society organisations and human rights advocates from more than 100 countries to assess global progress and strengthen commitments towards ending capital punishment.
