Nadia Murad Receives Justice O'Connor Prize

Nobel Peace Prize winner recognized for her advocacy of survivors of Yazidi genocide and worldwide victims of violence

February 16, 2020 on ASU NOW.

Nadia Murad, the human rights advocate who exposed ISIS’s ethnic cleansing of the Yazidi minority community in northern Iraq five years ago, said Saturday that justice can be a tool for accountability and deterrence in genocidal campaigns, but it must have a vision in order to be effective.

“My message to people who have suffered the atrocities of war is to believe that things can be different. Understanding that peace is possible is ultimately about standing up for your own human rights. That is why we all benefit from peaceful societies that honor those rights,” said Murad shortly after accepting the O’Connor Justice Prize administered by the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.

“This vision of peace depends on justice, healing and support for victimized communities. We must envision the reality of this, educate our children to expect it, and not be distracted by hatred.”

Murad, 26, visited Arizona to accept the honor for her bravery. She was also recognized for the work of her nonprofit, Nadia’s Initiative, which has been dedicated to rebuilding communities in crisis and advocating globally for survivors of sexual violence since 2016.

“Tonight’s celebration recognizes those who have made extraordinary efforts to advance rule of law, justice and human rights, just as Justice Sandra Day O’Connor has done throughout her illustrious career," said ASU Law Dean Douglas Sylvester. "As the voice of other survivors, Nadia Murad is the epitome of strength and resiliency. Her advocacy work around the globe has brought human rights issues to the forefront of many conversations among international leaders. We are honored to award the sixth annual O’Connor Justice Prize to Ms. Murad. She now adds to what was already a prestigious group of honorees including President De Klerk, the Honorable Mrs. Anson Chan, President Jimmy Carter, Minister Ana Palacio and Dr. Navanethem Pillay.”

About 200 people attended the award ceremony at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. Some of the attendees included Nina Totenberg, National Public Radio legal affairs correspondent; Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton; Arizona Chief Justice Robert M. Brutinel; and several members of the O’Connor family. The 89-year-old O’Connor was not present for the ceremony. She announced her withdrawal from public life due to illness in October 2018.

The O’Connor Justice Prize was established in 2014 to raise visibility for rule-of-law initiatives; recognize people who have made extraordinary contributions to advancing the rule of law, justice and human rights; and to honor O’Connor’s legacy.

Ambassador Clint Williamson, senior director for International Rule of Law, Governance and Security program at the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University and a professor of practice at ASU Law, introduced Murad to the audience, lauding her life and work.

"Few people could endure what Nadia suffered and even summon the will to go on with life; fewer still could take this tragedy and muster the courage and strength to become a powerful advocate and catalyst for change," Williamson said. "But once she escaped Iraq and found safety in Europe, Nadia sought just to do that. She began speaking out about the genocide and the trafficking of women and girls in the midst of conflict."