In recognition of exemplary work for the public interest, PILnet’s 2017 Publico Award recognized a long-time defender of human rights. For his work with the Open Society Foundations, American Civil Liberties Union, Human Rights Watch, the League for Industrial Democracy, PILnet bestowed this award to Aryeh Neier. As Garth Meintjes, PILnet President, explained, “Aryeh Neier wholly and truly embodies what it means to be an advocate of public interest law.”
In a video message from Neier in acceptance of the award, he reflects on his career: “My experience in efforts to protect rights is that one does not achieve permanent victories. The struggle hast to be repeated, fought over and over again.” These words make PILnet’s mission clear. It is now up to us to take the fight forward.
To watch Aryeh’s full acceptance speech, watch the video here.