Actor and Human Rights First board member Sigourney Weaver hosting the 30th Anniversary Human Rights Award Dinner saluting Senator Edward M. Kennedy and honoring human rights defenders Oleg Kozlovsk and Nora Younis. (All photos by Michael Ian).
Board Chair William D. Zabel introduces his son Richard, also an attorney. Richard Zabel co-authored In Pursuit of Justice – an important 2008 Human Rights First report that makes the case for trying terrorism suspects within the U.S. Court system.
Human Rights First board member Kerry Kennedy (left) and Caroline Kennedy wait to speak at the event.
Previous Human Rights Award honoree Saad Eddin Ibrahim presents the 2008 Award to Russian activist Oleg Kozlovsky.
Guests watch a short film produced by filmmaker Oren Jacoby about Senator Kennedy’s many victories for human rights.
Mary Chapin Carpenter entertains the crowd with a moving song about the fight for justice and human rights. Her latest album Come Darkness, Come Light: Twelve Songs of Christmas, was released on September 30, 2008
Sigourney Weaver looks on as Asma Jahangir (center), Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief of the United Nations Human Rights Council, presented the 2008 Human Rights Award to Egyptian activist Nora Younis.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Sigourney Weaver, Elisa Massimino, Asma Jahangir, Oleg Kozlovsky, Nora Younis, and Saad Eddin Ibrahim pose for a group photo.
Speaker Mary Robinson (left), Founder and President, Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative and previous Human Rights Award honoree, with guests Rear Admiral and Mrs. Donald Guter (USN, Ret.).
Many distinguished guests attend the event such as Haitian Ambassador Mr. and Mrs. Ray Joseph. Human Rights First President Michael Posner (right) greets them as the sun sets on the Hudson River.
Human Rights First’s Refugee Protection Program Director Eleanor Acer (center) welcomes pro bono attorneys who participate in our Asylum Legal Representation Program.
Guests enjoy a sumptuous dinner and buffet style dessert catered by Abigail Kirsh, Inc., at Human Rights First’s 30th Anniversary Human Rights Award held at Chelsea Piers, in Manhattan.