October 3, 2017

The Legacy of M. Cherif Bassiouni


REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

M. Cherif Bassiouni sadly passed away last week. Known as the “father of international criminal law” and a driving force behind the creation of international criminal tribunals, Bassiouni was tireless in his quest to bring justice to the victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in South Africa, Bosnia, Bahrain, and elsewhere. “I can place my little grain of sand and add to that very thin veneer of civilization. I’m a very firm believer in the incremental approach; things change because individuals move their little grain of sand,” he once said. "He moved much more than a grain of sand, and we will miss his insight, humor, and humanity," says Niamh King, Council vice president programs and strategic content. Bassiouni joined the Council for many programs over the years, take a listen below.

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The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight – and influences the public discourse – on critical global issues. We convene leading global voices and conduct independent research to bring clarity and offer solutions to challenges and opportunities across the globe. The Council is committed to engaging the public and raising global awareness of issues that transcend borders and transform how people, business, and governments engage the world.

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