Evelyn Ama Ankumah: A Trailblazer in International Justice
Evelyn Ama Ankumah, a renowned Ghanaian international lawyer and human rights advocate, has been appointed as a Special Adviser without portfolio to the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands. This prestigious appointment recognizes her decades of dedication to advancing international justice and human rights.
Alongside Judge Sanji Monageng from Botswana, Ankumah is one of two African legal experts selected for this role. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan praised their expertise, stating it would “significantly enhance the Office’s work on critical issues.”
A Career Dedicated to Justice and Human Rights
Evelyn Ama Ankumah founded Africa Legal Aid (AFLA), an organization based in The Hague that champions justice and accountability across Africa. With extensive experience spanning Africa, Europe, and North America, she has been a driving force in promoting gender-sensitive and victim-centered approaches to international criminal justice.
Her groundbreaking work includes authoring a seminal book on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and serving as a Research Fellow at Maastricht University. Ankumah has also been pivotal in shaping key legal frameworks, such as the Review of the Kampala Amendments on the Crime of Aggression.
Key Contributions to International Justice
Ankumah’s impact on international justice is profound. She leads the Gender Mentoring Training Programme for judges, advocating for gender equality within the legal system. Additionally, she was instrumental in establishing the International Criminal Court Bar Association (ICCBA) and is an active member of the International Gender Champions Network.
Her scholarly contributions include publishing six books and over 40 editions of the AFLA Quarterly journal, which continues to be a vital resource for legal professionals and human rights advocates worldwide.
ICC Prosecutor Praises Ankumah’s Expertise
In announcing the appointments, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan emphasized the value Ankumah and Judge Monageng bring to the ICC. “Their involvement will undoubtedly provide tremendous benefits to our Rome Statute stakeholders and staff,” he said.
Khan also expressed gratitude for their willingness to share their expertise, stating, “I deeply appreciate their generosity in offering their time, extensive experience, and valuable insights.”
Call to Action: Celebrate and Support Global Justice Advocates
Evelyn Ama Ankumah’s appointment is a testament to the power of dedication and expertise in advancing global justice. Her work inspires us to support initiatives that promote accountability, human rights, and gender equality.
How You Can Help:
- Learn More About AFLA: Visit Africa Legal Aid to explore their initiatives and support their work.
- Advocate for Justice: Share this story to raise awareness about the importance of international justice and human rights.
- Engage with Legal Resources: Follow the International Criminal Court for updates on global justice efforts.
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